NASA Astronaut Butch Wilmore Retires After 25 Years of Service
NASA has announced the retirement of test pilot and astronaut Butch Wilmore following a remarkable 25 years of service and multiple flights on different spacecraft.
Wilmore, who is a graduate of the US Navy Test Pilot School, has spent 464 days in space since being selected by NASA in 2000. He piloted the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2009, the Soyuz spacecraft in 2014, and most recently returned from a flight aboard the SpaceX Dragon.
Throughout his career, he completed five missions outside the International Space Station, accumulating a total of 32 hours in spacewalks.
“Butch’s commitment to NASA’s mission and dedication to human space exploration is truly exemplary,” noted Steve Korner, acting director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “His legacy will inspire future explorers and the country for generations to come. We extend our deepest gratitude to Butch.”
Wilmore isn’t just technically skilled; he’s recognized as an adaptable astronaut who contributed significantly to decades of human spaceflight across various missions.
He was among the few astronauts to pilot both NASA’s legacy systems and commercial vehicles, which helped validate essential systems for long-term human space exploration.
Reflecting on his journey, Joe Assaba, head of NASA’s astronaut office, said, “Throughout his career, Butch has exemplified what an astronaut should be, showcasing technical excellence.”
His latest mission, launched on June 5, 2024, marked a key crew flight test for the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The crew successfully removed a radio frequency antenna assembly and conducted sample collections from the Destiny Laboratory and Quest Airlock.
Wilmore shared that his fascination with the wonders of the universe began in his childhood, driven by an endless curiosity that led him into the skies and later, into space itself. Even as he visited outer space, he maintained an appreciation for Earth and its significance.
With Wilmore’s retirement, NASA closes a significant chapter in cross-platform astronaut missions and the verification of early commercial space travel.
