![\"NASA](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/butch-wilmore.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>After 25 years at NASA, flying in four different spacecraft, accumulating 464 days in space, astronaut and test pilot Butch Wilmore<\/a> has retired from NASA.<\/p>\n The Tennessee native earned a bachelor\u2019s and a master\u2019s degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University and a master\u2019s degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee.<\/p>\n Wilmore is a decorated U.S. Navy captain who has flown numerous tactical aircraft operationally while deploying aboard four aircraft carriers during peacetime and combat operations. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he went on to serve as a test pilot before NASA selected him to become an astronaut in 2000.<\/p>\n \u201cButch\u2019s commitment to NASA\u2019s mission and dedication to human space exploration is truly exemplary,\u201d said Steve Koerner, acting director of NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. \u201cHis lasting legacy of fortitude will continue to impact and inspire the Johnson workforce, future explorers, and the nation for generations. On behalf of NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center, we thank Butch for his service.\u201d<\/p>\n During his time at NASA, Wilmore completed three missions launching aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, Roscosmos Soyuz, and Boeing Starliner to the International Space Station. Wilmore also returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Additionally, he conducted five spacewalks, totaling 32 hours outside the orbital laboratory. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201c<\/em>Throughout his career, Butch has exemplified the technical excellence of what is required of an astronaut. His mastery of complex systems, coupled with his adaptability and steadfast commitment to NASA\u2019s mission, has inspired us all,\u201d said Joe Acaba, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson. \u201cAs he steps into this new chapter, that same dedication will no doubt continue to show in whatever he decides to do next.\u201d<\/p>\n Most recently, Wilmore launched aboard Boeing\u2019s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed flight test mission, arriving at the space station the following day. While aboard the station, Wilmore completed numerous tasks, including a spacewalk to help remove a radio frequency group antenna assembly from the station\u2019s truss and collected samples and surface material for analysis from the Destiny laboratory and the Quest airlock.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom my earliest days, I have been captivated by the marvels of creation, looking upward with an insatiable curiosity. This curiosity propelled me into the skies, and eventually to space, where the magnificence of the cosmos mirrored the glory of its creator in ways words can scarcely convey,\u201d said Wilmore. \u201cEven as I ventured beyond Earth\u2019s limits, I remained attuned to the beauty and significance of the world below, recognizing the same intricate design evident among the stars is also woven into the fabric of life at home.\u201d<\/p>\n Learn more about how NASA explores the unknown and innovates for the benefit of humanity at: <\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/<\/a> <\/p>\n Courtney Beasley<\/p>\n Johnson Space Center, Houston<\/p>\n 281-910-4989<\/p>\n courtney.m.beasley@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n Get The Details…<\/a> After 25 years at NASA, flying in four different spacecraft, accumulating 464 days in space, astronaut and test pilot Butch Wilmore has retired from NASA. The Tennessee native earned a bachelor\u2019s and a master\u2019s degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University and a master\u2019s degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee. Wilmore [\u2026] Continue reading
\nWendy K. Avedisian <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"