A 2017 flight engineer role aboard the International Space Station marked the primary orbital deployment for Jack D. Fischer, an American military officer and former test pilot. Selected for the NASA Astronaut Group 20 in 2009, he facilitated significant structural maintenance while orbiting the Earth before transitioning back into the aerospace private sector.
Academic and Military Formation
Born in 1974 in Louisville, Colorado, Fischer attended Centaurus High School in Lafayette before entering the U.S. Air Force Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering in 1996, followed by a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1998. His military training included Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base and F-15E Strike Eagle qualification at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base. As a command pilot, he logged over 3,000 flight hours across more than 45 distinct aircraft types.
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Fischer completed two combat tours in Southwest Asia during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch. In 2004, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, earning the Onizuka Prop Wash Award. He later served as a test pilot for the F-22 Raptor within the 411th Flight Test Squadron. By 2008, he held roles at The Pentagon, working within the Chairman's Action Group and the Space and Intelligence Capabilities Office.
NASA Operations and Expedition 51/52
After qualifying as an astronaut in 2011, Fischer worked in various branches of the Astronaut Office, including CAPCOM and International Space Station integration. In 2017, he served as a flight engineer for Expedition 51/52, launching aboard Soyuz MS-04. During this mission, he conducted two spacewalks with Peggy Whitson. The first, on May 13, marked the 200th EVA performed on the station. He returned to Earth on September 3, 2017, after 135 days in space.
Post-NASA Professional Tenure
Fischer retired from NASA in May 2018 to resume military service. His subsequent civilian career included serving as Chief Technology Officer for Collins Aerospace in Houston. In February 2021, he joined Intuitive Machines as Vice President of Strategic Programs. During the IM-1 mission, he functioned as one of the project's Mission Directors.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974, Louisville, Colorado
- Military Rank: Colonel
- NASA Selection: June 2009
- Spaceflight Duration: 135 days, 18 hours, 8 minutes
- Education: MIT (1998), U.S. Air Force Academy (1996)
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal
Questions readers ask
What was the duration of Fischer's first spaceflight?
He spent 135 days, 18 hours, and 8 minutes in space during his 2017 mission.
Did Fischer perform any spacewalks during his career?
Yes, he performed two EVAs in May 2017, including the 200th EVA conducted on the International Space Station.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and United States Air Force Academy
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and military flight engineer
