Thomas Hennen
By William D.Hinsch
Thomas Hennen
Thomas Hennen, born on August 17, 1952, in Albany, Georgia, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, is a distinguished figure known for his contributions to space exploration and military intelligence. He graduated from Groveport-Madison High School and attended Urbana College before joining the U.S. Army as an imagery intelligence analyst. His expertise and commitment led him through various assignments, eventually becoming the Army’s authority on advanced technical IMINT collection capabilities.
In 1988, Hennen embarked on a new chapter when he was named an astronaut payload specialist for the Pentagon’s Military Man in Space program. This culminated in his selection by NASA in 1989, and he embarked on his sole spaceflight aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1991. Despite some challenges with the mission’s equipment and objectives, Hennen’s work, including conducting the Terra Scout experiment and using advanced imaging technology to observe strategic sites from space, provided valuable insights into the potential of human observation in orbit.
Hennen’s career is also marked by his commitment to education and service. After retiring from the U.S. Army and NASA, he served as the executive director of the Atlantis Foundation, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and later as an independent consultant. His military and NASA honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and the NASA Space Flight Medal, reflect his significant contributions and lasting impact.
