- John Daniel Olivas, Ph.D., P.E.
- Crew Mission Specialist
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Houston, Texas 77058
Olivas was born in North Hollywood, California and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He is married and has 5 children. Recreational interests include running, weightlifting, hunting, fishing, surfing, and camping. He received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas — El Paso; a masters of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston and a doctorate in mechanical engineering and materials science from Rice University.
NASA selected Olivas for assignment as Astronaut in 1998. From 1999 — 2002 he was assigned technical responsibilities within the Astronaut Office as lead for the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator Robot and Mobile Transporter for ISS. He is currently assigned to the EVA Branch and is supporting the research effort focused on developing materials, tools and techniques to perform on–orbit shuttle repair. He previously served as a crew member of NEEMO 4, from July 15 — 23, 2002.
Olivas’ first desires to be come an Astronaut emerged at age 7 while on a summer vacation, which included a tour though NASA — Johnson Space Center. He credits his success to God and his family, who have continually fed his desire to reach for the stars. Olivas is awaiting his first mission assignment but continues in his boyhood dream, to be a contributor to the human exploration of space.