Edward Michael Fincke has spent over 549 days in space, placing him among the most experienced astronauts in NASA history. A retired United States Air Force colonel and planetary geologist, his career spans long-duration missions on the International Space Station, specialized underwater training, and extensive involvement in the development of contemporary commercial spacecraft.
Academic and Military Foundation
Born in Pittsburgh in 1967, Fincke graduated from Sewickley Academy before earning degrees in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT and Stanford University. He later pursued planetary geology at the University of Houston–Clear Lake. His military service began in 1990, leading to roles as a flight test engineer at Eglin Air Force Base. He flew F-16 and F-15 aircraft and served as a flight test liaison in Japan. In 1994, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, accumulating over 2,000 flight hours across 30 aircraft varieties.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Space Station Operations
Selected by NASA in 1996, Fincke transitioned to technical duties at Johnson Space Center. His first spaceflight was as flight engineer for Expedition 9 in 2004, where he conducted four spacewalks. He later commanded Expedition 18 in 2008, a mission that included filming a science-fiction short titled Apogee of Fear. His expertise extends to the Russian segment of the ISS; he is unique for performing six of his nine career spacewalks using a Russian Orlan spacesuit.
Shuttle Missions and Commercial Development
Fincke served as a mission specialist on STS-134, performing three additional spacewalks and bringing his total extravehicular activity time to 48 hours and 37 minutes. Following his shuttle work, he directed the Astronaut Office Commercial Crew Branch from 2014 to 2019. He provided critical input for the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon systems. His diverse certification permits him to serve as a Soyuz co-pilot, a Space Shuttle mission specialist, and a pilot for both major commercial crew vehicles.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Pittsburgh
- Total time in space: Over 549 days
- Total spacewalks: 9
- Military rank: Colonel (retired)
- Education: MIT, Stanford, University of Houston–Clear Lake
- Key awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Mission roles: Expedition commander (2008-2009, 2025-2026)
Questions readers ask
How many spacewalks has Michael Fincke completed?
He has logged nine spacewalks throughout his career, totaling 48 hours and 37 minutes.
What is his involvement with commercial space flight?
He served as chief of the Commercial Crew Branch and holds certification as a pilot for both Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Lunar and Planetary Institute
- Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Sewickley Academy
- Worked as air force officer, astronaut and planetary geologist
