February 21
Mark Kelly Born in Orange, New Jersey
Summary
Mark Edward Kelly was born on February 21, 1964, in Orange, New Jersey, minutes before his identical twin brother, future astronaut Scott Kelly. Mark Kelly graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and earned a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He became a naval aviator, flew combat missions during the Gulf War, attended test-pilot school, and reached the rank of captain. NASA selected Kelly as an astronaut in 1996. He flew four Space Shuttle missions between 2001 and 2011, serving as commander of STS-124 and the final mission of Endeavour, STS-134. After retiring from NASA and the Navy, Kelly became active in public advocacy and politics. Arizona voters elected him to the United States Senate in a 2020 special election to complete the term associated with John McCain's former seat, and he won election to a full Senate term in 2022.
Why It Matters
Kelly's career connects military aviation, human spaceflight, and elected national office. His four Shuttle missions contributed to International Space Station construction and operations during the later Shuttle era. His subsequent election to the Senate made him part of a relatively small group of American astronauts who entered national politics, giving him experience in both technical aerospace operations and federal policymaking.
Related Sites
- US Military Atlas: A related profile connecting Mark Kelly with military education, naval aviation, spaceflight, and public service.
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Sources
- Mark E. Kelly, NASA. Accessed 2026-08-25.
- Congressional Directory, U.S. Government Publishing Office. Accessed 2026-08-25.