Forrest S. Peterson
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| Forrest Silas Petersen | |
|---|---|
| Image:Petersen forrest 2.jpg |
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| USAF Astronaut | |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Deceased |
| Born | May 16, 1922 Amarillo, Texas |
| Died | December 8, 1990 Omaha, Nebraska |
| Previous occupation |
Test Pilot |
| Rank | Vice Admiral, United States Navy |
| Selection | 1958 MISS Group |
| Missions | None |
Forrest Silas "Pete" Petersen (May 16, 1922-December 8, 1990) was a United States Naval officer and a USAF astronaut selected as part of the Man In Space Soonest project in 1958. He was born in Holdredge, Nebraska. He died of cancer in Omaha, Nebraska on December 8, 1990.
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[edit] Education
Petersen received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944. He received another Bachelor of Science degee, this time in aeronautical engineering, from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1952. He stayed at the Postgraduate School where the next year he received his Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering.
[edit] Man In Space Soonest
Petersen was selected in 1958 with the second crop of astronauts as part of the Man In Space Soonest project. He flew five flights in the X-15 research aircraft but never reached space.
[edit] Naval career
From 1962 until his retirement in 1980 he served as Deputy Chief of Naval Material, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare, and as Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command. He retired from the Navy in May of 1980 as a Vice Admiral.
[edit] Personal
Petersen was married to the former Jean B. Carter. Together they had four children.
