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It was a lifelong dream for Sid to become an astronaut and it became a reality in June of 1985. As an astronaut Sid became the first Hispanic to both pilot and command the Space Shuttle on STS-40 and STS-59. As pilot on STS-40 the Spacelab Life Sciences (SLS-1) mission, he helped perform experiments, which explored how humans, animals and cells responded to microgravity and re-adapted to Earth's gravity on return. On STS-59, Sid commanded a crew of five whose mission was to participate in the Space Radar Laboratory, part of the Mission to Planet Earth. Sid spent over 20 days in space.
Prior to joining NASA, Sid was a pilot with the U.S. Air Force. An Academy graduate, Sid, obtained a Master Parachutist rating after completing over 550 jumps. He also flew approximately 30 different aircrafts including the T-38, F-15, F-16, sailplanes, balloons, and rockets. In total, he has logged over 4,500 hours of flying time.
Sid received his Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1973 and a Master of Arts in management from Webster College in 1977.
His special honors have included the Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal, and he was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1995.
In 1994, Sid, retired at the rank of Colonel
from the U.S. Air Force and NASA, returned to his native home of Albuquerque,
New Mexico, and enjoys a career in business. Sid actively supports Goodwill
and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is very passionate about speaking to
America's youth.