Astronauts From New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s wide skies and tight-knit communities have produced more than seasonal scenery — they’ve shaped people who reached for the stars. From small-town schools to local aerospace programs, the state’s history includes pioneers whose stories connect classroom, service and exploration.

There are 2 Astronauts from New Hampshire, ranging from Alan B. Shepard Jr. to Christa McAuliffe. For each, you’ll find below data organized with NH tie,NASA selection year,Missions so you can quickly see their local connections, when they joined NASA, and the flights they were part of — details you’ll find below.

Who were New Hampshire’s astronauts and what missions were they part of?

Alan B. Shepard Jr. was the first American in space (Mercury-Redstone 3, 1961) and later commanded Apollo 14 (1971); Christa McAuliffe was a New Hampshire teacher selected for the Space Shuttle mission STS-51-L as the first teacher-astronaut; her flight on Challenger in 1986 ended in the in-flight accident that remains a pivotal moment in NASA history.

Where can I verify their New Hampshire ties and mission records?

Official NASA biographies, the National Air and Space Museum archives, state historical societies, and the table below (organized by NH tie,NASA selection year,Missions) provide primary sources and local context to confirm hometowns, selection dates and mission details.

Astronauts from New Hampshire

Images and Descriptions

Alan B. Shepard Jr.

Alan B. Shepard Jr., born in Derry, New Hampshire, was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts. He became the first American in space (1961) and later commanded Apollo 14, walking on the Moon in 1971—New Hampshire’s most famous astronaut.

Christa McAuliffe

Christa McAuliffe lived and taught in Concord, New Hampshire, and was selected in 1985 as NASA’s Teacher in Space participant. She was assigned to STS-51-L (1986) and is remembered for bringing classroom teaching to the national space program.