Richard Linnehan
By William D.Hinsch
Richard Linnehan
Dr. Richard Linnehan’s journey from a veterinary student at The Ohio State University to an astronaut on the International Space Station is a remarkable testament to the boundless opportunities that arise from dedication and curiosity. Born on September 19, 1957, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Linnehan’s academic and professional path reflects a lifelong commitment to both animal sciences and space exploration.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from the University of New Hampshire and later earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University, Linnehan’s early career was deeply rooted in veterinary medicine. His work took him from private practice to the Zoo Animal Medicine and Comparative Pathology at the Baltimore Zoo and John Hopkins University. His expertise and leadership as a U.S. Army Veterinary Corps captain and his role as the chief clinical veterinarian for the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program highlight his significant contributions to veterinary science.
Linnehan’s transition to astronautics began when NASA sought a veterinarian astronaut to oversee animal experiments on the space station. Selected into the astronaut program in 1992, Linnehan became the first veterinarian to complete astronaut training. His comparison of the rigorous astronaut training to veterinary school reflects the intensity and dedication required in both fields.
His first space mission in 1996 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia was a pivotal moment, allowing him to conduct life science and microgravity experiments. Linnehan’s unique perspective as a veterinarian provided valuable insights into the adaptation of rodents to space conditions, contributing to our understanding of living organisms in microgravity. His subsequent missions continued to focus on life sciences, neurology, and the effects of space on the central and peripheral nervous systems.