In 1986, Crippen participated in the recovery operations for the remains of crew members after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

He is also a fellow of several organizations, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP).

[5] Crippen was commissioned through the United States Navy's Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) Program at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

As a Naval Aviator from the summer of 1962 to the end of 1964, he made two deployments aboard the USS Independence, flying the A-4 Skyhawk in Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72).

[12] Crippen was the capsule communicator (CAPCOM) for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (as well as Skylab), during which time he developed a close association with Mission Operations and Flight Control.

Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr. and C. Gordon Fullerton piloted the Enterprise from about 7,300 m (24,000 ft) to the ground and landed at Edwards Air Force Base.

A second crew of astronauts Joe H. Engle and Richard H. Truly alternated with Haise and Fullerton to test the Enterprise's capabilities.

[5] The ALT program lasted about a year, testing all aspects of approach and touchdown from aerodynamics to maneuverability, gliding and landing characteristics.

[15] His job involved working with the Shuttle computers, electrical systems, and auxiliary power units.

They also used the Canadian Remote Manipulator System (Canadarm) to deploy and retrieve the Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS-01).

Finally, they worked with the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System (CFES) and the Monodisperse Latex Reactor (MLR).

Crippen was the commander of Space Shuttle Challenger on STS-41-C, a seven-day mission during which the crew deployed the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF).

The crew also retrieved, repaired and redeployed Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite using the Canadarm.

On his final spaceflight, Crippen served as the commander of STS-41-G. During the eight-day flight, the Space Shuttle Challenger crew deployed the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS).

[17] After STS-41-G, Crippen became deputy director of flight crew operations (1984–1986)[18] and was also named commander of the STS-62-A mission which would have launched from the new SLC-6 facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

The Board became a sub-team for the Rogers Commission Report, the team put together by President Ronald Reagan to investigate the accident.

[18] After leaving NASA, from April 1995 through November 1996, Crippen was the Vice President of Lockheed Martin Information Systems.

In particular, he appreciated his role in working to improve the design of the solid rocket boosters to prevent another Challenger disaster.

He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2012 for leadership in human space flight and development of solid fueled rockets.

In 1981, after the inaugural Space Shuttle flight, he received the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award, the American Astronautical Society's Flight Achievement Award, the National Geographic Society's Gardiner Greene Hubbard Medal, and the American Legion's Distinguished Service Medal.

[10][27] On April 6, 2006, he received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the highest award for spaceflight achievement.

[29] On December 15, 2023, Crippen received the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association in Washington, D.C. for his devotion to public service and the advancement of American aerospace; his achievements as an aviator, astronaut, and leader; and his selfless dedication to the future of humankind.