The career of Michael A. Baker spans decades of naval aviation and orbital logistics, characterized by a transition from tactical flight testing to high-level international space program management. His operational expertise, developed through thousands of hours of flight time, formed the foundation for his leadership roles in integrating multi-national mission systems at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Naval Aviation and Test Pilot Training
Born in 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee, Baker completed his education at the University of Texas at Austin in 1975 before beginning his military service. After earning his wings in 1977 at Naval Air Station Chase Field, he flew the A-7 Corsair II while deployed on the USS Midway. His technical proficiency led him to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1981. He later served as an instructor there and as an exchange instructor at the Empire Test Pilots' School in Boscombe Down, England. Over his naval career, he accumulated more than 5,400 flight hours across 50 different aircraft types and performed over 300 carrier landings.
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Selected as an astronaut in 1985, Baker transitioned into the Space Shuttle program. Following the Challenger incident, he contributed to critical safety improvements regarding landing and deceleration systems. He served as a spacecraft communicator for numerous missions before entering flight status. Baker served as pilot for STS-43 and STS-52, and commanded STS-68 and STS-81, logging a total of 965 hours in space throughout his four flights.
International Space Station Operations
Baker played a central role in bridging American and Russian space operations. Between 1995 and 2001, he served in various capacities including Director of Operations for NASA at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, and assistant director for Human Space Flight Programs in Russia. His duties involved coordinating complex technical liaison, logistics, and personnel administration between NASA and Russian agencies such as the Energia Rocket and Spacecraft Corporation. Following this, he became the International Space Station Program Manager for International Operations, overseeing crew training and integration with global partners.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Memphis, Tennessee
- Military Rank: Captain, United States Navy
- Space Flights: 4
- Total Space Flight Time: 965 hours
- Education: University of Texas at Austin, 1975
- Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Legionnaire of Legion of Merit
- Key Role: ISS Program Manager for International Operations
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did Baker fly during his naval career?
He primarily flew the A-7 Corsair II, though he logged hours in approximately 50 different types of aircraft, including tactical jets, VSTOL, multi-engine transport, and rotary wing aircraft.
What was Baker's responsibility in Russia?
He coordinated and implemented joint U.S./Russian Shuttle/Mir mission operations, including training and logistics at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and other Russian government agencies.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Texas at Austin, United States Naval Test Pilot School and Lemoore High School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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