Oklahomans and Space

An astronaut in a flight suit floats tethered to a spacecraft. The blue surface of Earth is partly visible behind him, and the scene is reflected in the helmet's face shield.

An astronaut explores outer space while on a spacewalk (image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

Do you dream of being an astronaut? There people raised and educated in Oklahoma, maybe even from your hometown, who became astronauts! In fact, Oklahoma is the only state to have astronauts who have been involved in every phase of the United States’s space program, demonstrating our state’s lasting pioneer spirit as we help explore the frontier of space.

Many Oklahomans contributed to the United States space programs as scientists, engineers, politicians, and more. Scientists study space in different ways. For example, pilots and astronauts can fly aircraft and travel to space in rockets. Engineers can help design and build communication technology, robots, and space vehicles, as well as program computers, and direct flight paths. Politicians and lawyers can help establish legislation and policies to support air and space travel and help fund new ideas and programs.

A view of Garriott from below in his space suit. He is outside on a spacewalk. Parts of the craft are visible around him, and there is a craft further behind him.

Skylab 3 astronaut and Oklahoman Owen Garriott on a spacewalk (photo courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

A dark, square tile with stenciled numbers and letters next to two items wrapped in brown paper.

Space shuttle tiles on loan courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

White pouches containing food and a container of pudding. The NASA logo and other labels are on the packaging.

Astronaut food on loan courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration.