Dr. Ed Lu, born on July 1, 1963, is a physicist and astronaut who has flown on three space missions, logging over 206 days in space. He holds a Ph.D. in applied physics from Stanford University and has developed new theoretical advances in solar physics. Dr. Lu has worked at NASA's Johnson Space Center, held various technical assignments, and served as a mission specialist on STS-84 and STS-106, and as flight engineer on Soyuz TMA-2 and ISS Expedition-7. He has received numerous honors, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Gagarin Medal. Dr. Lu retired from NASA in 2007 to pursue private interests. Courtesy of NASA.