To an audience of Eagles, former NASA astronaut Jim Wetherbee, who commanded a record five space shuttle missions, described his thoughts at launch. 

He focused on the technical tasks ahead. Being prepared made him feel confident when systems inevitably failed.

“I was trained well,” said Wetherbee, the only U.S. astronaut to have landed the space shuttle five times. “I knew 100 pages of emergency procedures. I always felt that if I am in control, then I was fine.”

During an Oct. 12 visit to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott Campus, Wetherbee shared lessons from his 20-year NASA career with students, faculty and staff.  Wetherbee — also a retired naval aviator and test pilot — flew six Space Shuttle missions and later served as NASA’s director of Flight Crew Operations, where he worked to improve flight and ground safety.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to welcome Capt. Jim Wetherbee to our campus,” said Jeannie Leavitt, dean of the College of Aviation. “His willingness to engage so thoughtfully with our students, faculty and staff made the visit truly special. From captivating conversations throughout the day to his inspiring evening presentation, he brought his extraordinary experiences in space exploration and leadership to life, creating lasting memories for our campus community.”

Victoria Gonce, a senior dual majoring in Aeronautical Science and Aviation Business Administration, said that the chance to chat with Capt. Wetherbee “was truly enlightening.”

During his talk, titled “Departing Earth: The Daring Flight of Apollo 8 and the Future of Human Space Flight,” Wetherbee explored the early U.S. space program and humanity’s first journey to the moon. He also discussed solving problems and taking initiative in high-risk careers.

“You are students, I can’t resist giving you a lesson,” Wetherbee said. “Problems typically come down to one or two technical failures and one or two poor management decisions. Be cautious if you see them.”

Wetherbee identified trigger steps — moments where consequences are immediate and irreversible.

Astronaut Jim Wetherbee holds a ball in front of an image of the moon
Wetherbee discusses the early U.S. space program and the journey to the moon. (Photo: Embry-Riddle)

To encourage students to take initiative and use their resources, Wetherbee shared that he never felt scared in moments of uncertainty because he knew his material. While in space, Wetherbee said that if systems failed, he knew how to do it manually. When he didn’t know something, he asked experts until he found the answer.

“Everyone wants to share their knowledge if they are good at what they do,” Wetherbee said.

When selecting candidates to become astronauts at NASA, Wetherbee told students that every candidate is among the best in their field, but character sets successful candidates apart.

If they don’t have an “ego” and are ready to serve humanity, Wetherbee said, they will be welcomed at NASA.

Wetherbee concluded his presentation by encouraging students to excel in their fields and achieve their goals.

“Do the great work,” he said. “Your country needs you.”

Dakota Cate, a Mechanical Engineering student and president of the Rocket Development Lab, was among the students who engaged with Weatherbee.

“It's not every day you get to meet an astronaut — and certainly not the astronaut who's commanded more space missions than any in history — but here at Embry-Riddle we have the unique and yet frequent opportunity to interact with aerospace giants like Capt. Wetherbee,” Cate said.