Who Is Deke Slayton? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Deke Slayton was born on March 1, 1924, and passed away on June 13, 1993. He was one of NASA's original astronauts, selected as part of the Mercury Seven. Over his remarkable career, Slayton contributed significantly to the early days of human spaceflight and continued to influence space exploration until his retirement. His life is documented on Wikipedia.
- Full Name: George Deke Slayton
- Born: March 1, 1924
- Died: June 13, 1993
- Occupation: Astronaut, Aerospace Engineer
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 1, 1924 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Sparta, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 June, 1993 |
| Died Place | League City, Texas, U.S. |
Popularity
Deke Slayton's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though Deke Slayton was known more for his incredible contributions to space than his physical attributes, he stood at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm). His weight during his astronaut days was approximately 180 lbs (82 kg). Unfortunately, specific measurements such as chest, waist, and biceps are not widely documented.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Deke Slayton married his wife, Jean, in 1955, and they had three children together. The couple shared a deep bond throughout their marriage until Slayton’s death. There is no public information regarding any relationships or dating status outside of his marriage, reiterating his commitment to family.
- Spouse: Jean Slayton (m. 1955 - 1993)
- Children: 3
Net Worth and Salary
As an astronaut and aerospace engineer, Deke Slayton had a successful career that likely afforded him a comfortable lifestyle. Though exact figures are not available for his net worth at the time of his passing, estimates suggest it was in the region of $5 million. This wealth was accumulated through his NASA salary, various investments, and his later work in the aerospace industry.
Career, Business & Investments
Slayton's career was a testament to perseverance and dedication. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII, he joined NASA in its inaugural classes of astronauts and became a pivotal figure in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
After his retirement from NASA, Slayton worked as the head of the astronaut office and later held various positions in the private space industry, including a role at a commercial space company. His entrepreneurial ventures laid the groundwork for future developments in space technology.
After he was discharged from the Army, Slayton enrolled at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, and studied aeronautical engineering. As a student, he supported himself using the GI Bill and by working at a Montgomery Ward warehouse.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1949, and accepted a job as an engineer with the Boeing Aircraft Corporation at Seattle, Washington. After moving to Seattle, Slayton lived in a rooming house and began working as a junior design engineer. While at Boeing, he worked on the B-52 Stratofortress and the KC-97 Stratofreighter.
Social Network
Deke Slayton was not particularly active on social media platforms, as they did not exist during his lifetime. However, his legacy continues to be honored on various platforms dedicated to space exploration and history, where fans and space enthusiasts commemorate his achievements and contributions.
In 1991, Slayton began working with space historian Michael Cassutt to write his autobiography, titled Deke!: U.S. Manned Space from Mercury to the Shuttle, which was published in 1994, a year after his death. Slayton also co-wrote the 1994 book Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America's Race to the Moon with fellow astronaut Alan Shepard.
Education
Deke Slayton was noted for his academic prowess, having earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This educational background set a solid foundation for his illustrious career in aviation and space exploration.
Donald Kent "Deke" Slayton (March 1, 1924 – June 13, 1993) was an American Air Force pilot, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts. He went on to become NASA's first Chief of the Astronaut Office and Director of Flight Crew Operations, responsible for NASA crew assignments.
