Roy D . Bridges , Jr . Roy Dubard Bridges , Jr . ( born July 19 , 1943 , in Atlanta , Georgia ) is an American aviator , retired United States Air Force officer , former NASA astronaut and the former director of NASA ' s John F . Kennedy Space Center and Langley Research Center . NASA career . Bridges served as a NASA astronaut , piloting the Space Shuttle " Challenger " on mission STS - 51 - F ( July 29 to August 6 , 1985 ) . Bridges became the Director of NASA ' s Langley Research Center in 2003 , after serving as Director of the John F . Kennedy Space Center ( KSC ) . He retired from Langley and from NASA at the end of 2005 . As the senior management official of the laboratory employing approximately 2 , 100 NASA civil service and 1 , 800 contractor personnel , Bridges was responsible for the Center ’ s aeronautical and space research programs , as well as facilities , personnel , and administration . In that capacity , he was responsible for managing facilities and activities related to the processing and launch of the Space Shuttle , processing and integration of Shuttle payloads and those aboard Expendable Launch Vehicles ( ELVs ) , as well as final tests and preparation of elements delivered to the International Space Station via Shuttle . He was also responsible for managing the acquisition and launch of all NASA ELV missions . As Director of the Kennedy Space Center for over six years , Bridges was responsible for managing NASA ' s only site for processing and launch of the Space Shuttle vehicle ; processing the payload s flown on both the Shuttle and expendable launch vehicles ; and overseeing expendable vehicle launches carrying NASA payloads . He managed a team of about 2 , 000 NASA civil servants and about 14 , 000 contractors . Military career . Bridges is a retired U . S . Air Force Major General who served as the director of requirements , Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command , Wright - Patterson Air Force Base , Ohio , from June 1993 until his retirement July 1 , 1996 . In that position he served as the Command focal point for product management policy , processes and resources . Prior to his assignment at Wright - Patterson Air Force Base , Bridges was the commander , Air Force Flight Test Center , Edwards Air Force Base , California . He has served in several key leadership positions including deputy chief of staff , test and resources , Headquarters Air Force Systems Command , Andrews Air Force Base , Maryland ; commander , Eastern Space and Missile Center , Patrick Air Force Base , Florida ; commander , 6510th Test Wing , Edwards Air Force Base , California . Education . Bridges grew up in Gainesville , Georgia , and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1961 . He was active in the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved its second highest rank , Life Scout . He is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy , Colorado Springs , Colorado , earning a bachelor ' s degree in engineering science in 1965 . He received a master of science degree in astronautics from Purdue University , Indiana in 1966 . Awards and honors . He is the recipient of several awards and honors including recognition as a distinguished graduate of Air Force Pilot Training and a top graduate of the U . S . Air Force Test Pilot School . He is a recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal ; Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster ; Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster ; Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters ; Meritorious Service Medal ; Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters ; Air Force Commendation Medal ; the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award ; NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal ; NASA Space Flight Medal ; and a NASA Certificate of Commendation . Personal . Bridges is married to the former Benita Louise Allbaugh of Tucson , Arizona . They have two adult children . Bridges is an executive with Northrop Grumman Technical Services .