Robert Satcher, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.

Astronaut and Surgical Oncologist 

Dr. Robert Satcher is recognized for his varied career interests and notable successes, from his training  as a chemical engineer, to his practice as an orthopaedic surgeon in oncology, and service as a mission  specialist astronaut and first orthopaedic surgeon astronaut for NASA. 

Dr. Satcher flew on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-129, in November 2009, during which he performed  two spacewalks totaling over 12 hours of extravehicular activity. Dr. Satcher’s research has focused on  understanding how cancer spreads to the skeleton, with a focus on discovering new curative treatment  options using cellular, molecular, and personalized medicine strategies.  

He has over 100 peer reviewed publications, and has received research grants from DOD and NIH, and  serves on grant review panels for NCI.