After an illustrious 25-year career at Nasa, veteran astronaut and test pilot Butch Wilmore has officially retired.
Wilmore, known for his extensive time in space and pioneering missions, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of dedication and achievement in human space exploration.
Hailing from Tennessee, Wilmore holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University, along with a master’s degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee.
His distinguished service as a US Navy captain saw him flying tactical aircraft during both peacetime and combat operations aboard four aircraft carriers. A graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School, he was selected as a Nasa astronaut in 2000.
Reflecting on Wilmore’s career, Steve Koerner, acting director of Nasa’s Johnson Space Center, praised his commitment: “Butch’s dedication to Nasa’s mission and human space exploration is truly exemplary. His lasting legacy will inspire future explorers and the nation for generations.”
Throughout his tenure at Nasa, Wilmore flew on four different spacecraft: the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Russia’s Soyuz capsule, Boeing’s Starliner, and the SpaceX Dragon. Over the course of his missions, he accumulated an impressive 464 days in space and conducted five spacewalks totaling 32 hours outside the International Space Station (ISS).
Wilmore’s most recent mission saw him launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed flight test. While aboard the ISS, he performed critical tasks including a spacewalk to remove a radio frequency group antenna assembly and collecting samples from the Destiny laboratory and Quest airlock.
Fellow astronaut Joe Acaba noted, “Butch exemplifies the technical excellence required of an astronaut, inspiring all of us with his adaptability and steadfast mission focus.”
In his own words, Wilmore shared a profound reflection on his journey: “From an early age, my curiosity about the cosmos drove me to explore the skies and beyond. Even as I ventured into space, I remained connected to the beauty of Earth, seeing the intricate design of creation woven between the stars and life at home.”
As Butch Wilmore steps into retirement, his contributions to spaceflight and exploration continue to influence Nasa’s mission and inspire future generations of astronauts.
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