Ilan Ramon was born in Ramat Gan, Israel, as Ilan Wolfferman. He later became an Israeli fighter pilot and the first Israeli astronaut.

Ramon graduated from high school before beginning his service in the Israeli Air Force.

Ramon began the fighter pilot's course at the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy but had to suspend his studies after breaking his hand.

Ramon served in an electronic warfare unit in the Sinai during the Yom Kippur War.

Ramon graduated from the fighter pilots' course at the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy.

Ramon participated in A-4 Skyhawk Basic Training and Operations.

Ramon participated in training and operations for the Mirage IIIC.

Ramon attended the F-16 Training Course at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as part of the IAF's establishment team for the first F-16 Squadron in Israel.

Ramon participated in Operation Opera, Israel's strike against Iraq's unfinished Osiraq nuclear reactor.

Ramon served as the Deputy Squadron Commander B, F-16 Squadron.

Ramon participated in the 1982 Lebanon War, furthering his experience as a fighter pilot.

Ramon graduated with a B.Sc. degree in electronics and computer engineering from Tel Aviv University.

Ramon served as Deputy Squadron Commander A, 119 Squadron, flying the F-4 Phantom.

Ramon attended the Squadron Commanders Course.

Ramon commanded 117 Squadron, flying the F-16.

Ramon was head of the Aircraft Branch in the Operations Requirement Department.

Ramon was promoted to the rank of colonel and assigned as head of the Department of Operational Requirement for Weapon Development and Acquisition.

Ramon was selected as a Payload Specialist for NASA.

Ramon reported for training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, to prepare for a space shuttle mission.

Ramon flew aboard STS-107, logging 15 days, 22 hours and 20 minutes in space.

Ilan Ramon and the rest of the Columbia crew died over East Texas during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.