UNF alum one of 10 new NASA astronaut candidates
University of North Florida alum U.S. Marine Corps Maj. (retired.) Luke Delaney is one of 10 new astronaut candidates chosen by NASA to join the first new astronaut class in four years.
Delaney, who received his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from UNF, was chosen from a field of more than 12,000 applicants to represent the United States and work for humanity’s benefit in space.
Delaney is a Florida native who holds degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering, and was a distinguished naval aviator participating in exercises throughout the Asia Pacific region and conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a test pilot, he executed numerous flights evaluating weapon system integrations, and served as a test pilot instructor. At the time of his selection as an astronaut candidate, Delaney worked as a Research Pilot at NASA’s Langley Research Center where he supported airborne science missions.
He will report for duty in January 2022 to begin two years of training. Upon completion, he may be assigned to missions that involve performing research aboard the space station, launching from American soil on spacecraft built by commercial companies, as well as deep space missions to destinations including the Moon on NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket.