Andy Thomas

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Andy Thomas's career is marked by a series of historic firsts for Australia. He was the first Australian-born professional astronaut to fly in space, and the first Australian citizen to perform a spacewalk. He logged over 177 days in orbit, including a lengthy stay on Mir and an expedition on the ISS. His technical leadership and calm professionalism earned him respect at NASA, and his Order of Australia reflects his national significance. He continues to inspire through the foundation that bears his name.

AwardsAndy Thomas has received multiple awards for his contributions to space exploration, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the Yuri Gagarin Medal, and the Order of Friendship from Russia and Kazakhstan. He was also named South Australian of the Year and received the Professional Engineer of the Year award from the Institution of Engineers Australia. In 2003, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Honours & Distinctions

Officer of the Order of Australia

Government of Australia·2003

For distinguished service to space exploration and engineering.

South Australian of the Year

Australia Day Council·2002

Recognized for his achievements in space and contributions to the state.

Order of Friendship

Russia·1998

Awarded for his role in the Shuttle-Mir program.

Records & Feats

First Australian-born professional astronaut in space

Historic First·1996

On STS-77 in 1996, Thomas became the first person born in Australia to fly in space as a professional astronaut.

First Australian citizen to perform a spacewalk

Historic First·2001

During STS-102 in 2001, Thomas conducted a six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk, the first by an Australian citizen.