Barry E. Wilmore has logged over 464 days off Earth across a career as a naval officer, test pilot, and astronaut. Selected by NASA in July 2000, he transitioned from a background in tactical jet aviation to command the International Space Station, eventually serving as a key participant in the inaugural crewed test flight of the Boeing Starliner.
Early Education and Naval Service
Born in 1962 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Wilmore attended Mount Juliet High School before enrolling at Tennessee Technological University. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in electrical engineering, later adding a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee. As a naval aviator, he completed four operational deployments, flying A-7E and F/A-18 aircraft from carriers including the USS Forrestal and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. His combat record includes 21 missions during Operation Desert Storm.
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Wilmore is a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School. During his tenure as a test pilot, he contributed to the development of the T-45 Goshawk jet trainer, performing initial carrier landing certifications and high angle of attack tests. He also served as a flight test instructor at both the Naval Test Pilot School and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Spaceflight Missions and ISS Operations
Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000, Wilmore first flew on the STS-129 mission in 2009 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. In 2014, he returned to the International Space Station as part of Expedition 41/42. During that mission, he utilized a 3-D printer to manufacture a tool in orbit, a milestone in off-world production. He served as the commander of the ISS during his 2014-2015 assignment.
Boeing Crew Flight Test and Return to Earth
In June 2024, Wilmore launched aboard the Boeing Crew Flight Test mission alongside Sunita Williams. After thruster malfunctions occurred upon docking, mission parameters changed. NASA determined a return on the Starliner was too risky, and the spacecraft eventually landed uncrewed. Wilmore remained on the station until March 18, 2025, when he and Williams returned to Earth via a SpaceX Dragon capsule. He retired from NASA on August 6, 2025.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Military Rank: Captain
- Education: Tennessee Technological University; University of Tennessee
- Selected by NASA: July 2000
- Total days in space: 464
- Notable Award: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2015)
- Retirement from NASA: August 6, 2025
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did Wilmore fly in the Navy?
He flew A-7E and F/A-18 tactical jet aircraft during four operational deployments.
How did Wilmore return to Earth after his 2024 mission?
He returned on March 18, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule with the crew of Crew-9.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Mount Juliet High School, Tennessee Technological University and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as naval officer, astronaut and engineer
