NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke Leaves NASA, Career Includes 4 Spaceflights

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke is retiring after a 30-year career with the agency. During his tenure, he participated in four spaceflights, spent 549 days in space, and conducted nine spacewalks. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Fincke for his contributions, stating that he helped shape many chapters of NASA's history. Fincke ranks fourth among NASA astronauts for total time in space, with 48 hours and 37 minutes accumulated.

His most recent mission was piloting SpaceX's Crew-11, which launched in August 2025 and returned in January. Fincke joined NASA's 16th astronaut class in 1996 and first flew to space in 2004 aboard Soyuz TMA-4. Throughout his career, he served as a science officer and flight engineer, helping maintain station systems and performing four spacewalks.

He returned to space in 2008 as commander of Expedition 18 and completed two more spacewalks. In 2011, Fincke flew on STS-134, the final flight of space shuttle Endeavour, completing three spacewalks and helping install the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, highlighted Fincke's impact, noting his dedication to mentoring the next generation of explorers.

Fincke's legacy extends beyond his technical expertise, as he consistently approached assignments with experience, humility, and an unwavering focus on mission success.