Ron began his journey to becoming an astronaut in his studies at university. He obtained a Masters degree in Aeronautical Science at the Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University and then a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida. But before he became an astronaut, Ron pursued a career in the military commissioned in the United States Air Force as Second Lieutenant after attending the Air Force Officer Training School. Ron then went on to train to be an F-16 pilot, ultimately serving in the 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
He then moved on to serve in the 17th TFS, committing his time as an F-16 pilot, instructor and evaluator. Ron also spent time both studying and stationed at the USAF Fighter Weapons School, serving as an F-16 Weapons School Instructor Pilot. He has held roles as Squadron Weapons Officer and has also been deployed in support of operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After serving an illustrious piloting career, Ron retired from the force in 2009 to pursue a career as an astronaut.
In 2000 Ron was selected to join NASA, adopting a series of technical duties for the Astronaut Office Station and Shuttle Operations. Enduring eight years of intensive training, Ron ultimately became fully qualified as an astronaut and has since embarked twice into space. Ron first embarked into space in 2008, part of the Space Shuttle Discovery responsible for installing a laboratory to the International Space Station. His second embark into space happened in 2011, this time as part of the Russian Soyuz Spacecraft. On this mission Ron spent 6 months onboard the International Space Station, enduring the challenges and wonders of space once more.
As well as his journeys into space, Ron has also completed a number of undersea missions. Back in 2006, Ron was a crew member of the NEEMO 9 mission, spending an incredible 18 days both working and living at the bottom of the sea. During the mission, Ron was responsible for a number of tasks, such including telemedicine, telerobotic surgery and the development of lunar surface exploration procedures.
Ron has also founded social enterprises in his spare time when not in space or the air. He first founded the Manna Energy Foundation, with the passion to help development work across the continent of Africa. His work was highly successful, and the company has since been recognised in the top 10 innovators of water purification. Ron later co-founded Manna Energy Limited, the company responsible for the United Nations methodology involving the purification of water. The company also partnered with countless organisations, successfully providing gallons of clean water to disadvantaged individuals of Kenya and Rwanda.
After retiring as an astronaut, Ron has turned to the public speaking field to deliver tales of the incredible things he has experienced. After writing his book The Orbital Perspective, Ron has gone on to communicate this perspective as an engaging keynote speaker. Covering subjects such as leadership, teamwork, risk management, embracing change, innovation and finding unity in divisive times, Ron has extensive knowledge that is transferable into the world of corporate business.
