Carlos I. Noriega is a Peruvian and U.S. citizen, NASA employee, a former NASA astronaut and a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel.

Noriega Graduated from Wilcox High School, Santa Clara, California, in 1977 and earned Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the University of Southern California in 1981. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in computer science and Master of Science degree in space systems operations from the Naval Postgraduate School, 1990.

Noriega also earned the following special honors: Defense Superior Service Medal,two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, Air Medal (Strike Flight Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two NASA Space Flight Medals and theNASA Exceptional Service Medal