Members of the astronaut corps are still rare, but their number has decreased by one with the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Richard “Rich” Clifford (U.S. Army, Retired) just a few days after Christmas in 2021. Rich was born in San Bernardino, CA in 1952 but grew up in Ogden, UT. In 1970, he endured the rigors of Beast Barracks with the Class of 1974, eventually entering Company B-1, which he would call home for the next four years. From the start, Rich had his eyes on his future, telling his B-1 roommate, Terry Youngbluth, when they met as plebes during the chaos of Reorganization Week, “I’m going to be an astronaut.” Youngbluth could see Rich’s determination and confidence, and complementary humility, and recognized that Rich had the “grit, character and endless optimism” that would ensure he thrived, not just survived, in the tough Academy years and beyond. 

For cow summer, Rich was one of the select few chosen to go to Fort Wolters, TX as part of the inaugural class of cadets receiving introductory flight training. Classmate Bob Metheny recalls Rich as “the first from our class to fly solo and get the coveted wings on his cap.” Rich was similarly a leader in the Class of 1974, serving as the brigade adjutant during firstie year, while simultaneously chairing the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs and enjoying the Ski Club and, naturally, the Flying Club. One of his firstie roommates was future General David Petraeus, who recalls being struck by Rich’s “infectious enthusiasm.” Rich’s self-professed best friend, classmate C.A. Harris, vividly remembers Rich’s determination confronting obstacles, sharing that someone “reaching for the stars doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet.”

Firstie summer was also eventful, although more personally so, as he met his future wife, Nancy Brunson, while training in Hawaii. First date? Flying around the island of Oahu! How could she not be smitten? They married shortly after West Point graduation in 1974, and she was at his side from there forward, starting with his tour as an Armor officer in the 10th Cavalry at Fort Carson, CO before entering flight school, where he, naturally, graduated at the top of his class, earning “the real wings” of an Army aviator and an assignment to Germany with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Next came a series of assignments that really put him on the path to the astronaut corps: Georgia Tech for a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering; West Point to teach aeronautical engineering; then Patuxent River, MD and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, earning designation as an experimental test pilot and assignment to NASA as an engineer.

In 1990, Rich was selected to join NASA Astronaut Group 13 (the “Hairballs”) and two years later became the first member of the group to go to space, eventually orbiting earth 444 times (more than 27 days) in three space shuttle missions (STS-53, 59, 76). On his first mission, Rich flew aboard Discovery on a classified Department of Defense mission with an all-military crew. Rich’s second mission was aboard Endeavour, carrying the Space Radar Laboratory to scan earth to better understand the effects of air pollution on the ecosystem. Air Force crewmate (and later general) Kevin Chilton remembers Rich not only for his great sense of humor, both on the ground and in space, but also for his coolness under the pressure of an in-flight emergency. General Chilton describes Rich as “key to their success in defusing their ‘deviation from the norm,’ as astronauts laconically call their life-or-death experiences.” Rich’s third mission was on Atlantis, which docked with Russian space station Mir. From Mir, Rich performed a six-hour spacewalk alongside fellow astronaut Linda Godwin. Godwin shares that “being in a pressurized suit, surrounded by the vacuum of space, tethered to the shuttle with the Earth 250 miles below is a bonding experience I am happy to have shared with Rich.” 

Prior to his final mission, Rich was diagnosed with early Parkinson’s disease, which could have ended his time as an astronaut. That story is captured in a 2014 documentary, The Astronaut’s Secret, which tells of his courage to fly once more and his determination not to allow the disease to define him.

Upon retiring from the Army and later from NASA, Rich joined Boeing to help build the International Space Station. After completing that important assignment, Rich became deputy program manager for the Space Shuttle, seeing it through to its final flight.

In his distinguished career, Rich was recognized in many ways, including receipt of the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. Rich was also inducted into the Georgia Tech Engineering Hall of Fame. He also served as part of the patient council for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, doing what he could to help find a cure for the disease and to help those afflicted by it. 

In a 2015 interview for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Rich said, “Everyone with Parkinson’s handles it differently.” He advised others: “Don’t let it get in the way of living. Life is too good. Remember, keep going. The sky’s the limit.” Throughout his life, Rich followed his own advice, living life fully, both before and after his diagnosis. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather, Rich was a dedicated leader and teacher who simultaneously sought the thrill of life by flying and exploring, consistently operating at the edges of known territory. He will be long remembered as a man of great accomplishments and unassuming humility and unbroken honor.

— Brandon Clifford, son