By Emilie Gilbert
Herald Intern
Astronaut Luke Delaney was selected by NASA as the pilot for the SpaceX Crew-13 mission set to launch by mid-September.
Delaney was chosen as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2021 and is now preparing for the mission to the International Space Station.
Delaney grew up in DeBary. He is a graduate of Deltona High School.
“Luke Delaney is an inspiration to not only his hometown here in DeBary, but to people around the world who dare to dream big,” DeBary Mayor Karen Chasez said. “We are so proud of his accomplishments and honored that DeBary is part of his story.”
He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of North Florida and holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Delaney retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2020 and was a distinguished naval aviator, according to NASA. Before he became an astronaut candidate, he worked as a research pilot and aerospace engineer at NASA’s Langley Research Center supporting airborne space missions.
The SpaceX Crew-13 mission will be Delaney’s first spaceflight.