Selected for NASA Astronaut Group 19 in May 2004, Randolph Bresnik has built a career spanning carrier-based aviation and long-duration space flight. A retired United States Marine Corps officer, he holds the distinction of being the first graduate of The Citadel to travel into space, subsequently logging thousands of flight hours across diverse military and orbital platforms.
Military Career and Aviation
Bresnik received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1989 after graduating from The Citadel. He proceeded to The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course at Quantico before entering flight training. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1992, he completed training at Cecil Field for the F/A-18. His service included deployments to the Western Pacific and combat missions during Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom from Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. He attended the Naval Fighter Weapons School, also known as TOPGUN, and eventually became a test pilot, accumulating experience in 81 different aircraft.
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Following his transition to NASA, Bresnik participated in the STS-129 mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis in November 2009. During this deployment, he conducted two extravehicular activities, installing scientific equipment and logistics carriers on the International Space Station. He later served as a flight engineer for Expedition 52 and as commander for Expedition 53, launching aboard the Soyuz MS-05 in July 2017. His broader training included the ESA CAVES analogue mission and commanding the NEEMO 19 undersea expedition.
Future Exploration
Bresnik continues his work within the United States space program. In June 2026, NASA officially announced his role as the commander for Artemis III. This upcoming mission represents a continuation of his multi-decade trajectory as a pilot and orbital commander, shifting from the low Earth orbit infrastructure of the International Space Station toward the agency's broader objectives within the lunar-focused Artemis program.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Fort Knox
- Military rank: Colonel
- Selected as NASA Astronaut: 2004
- Education: The Citadel, University of Tennessee
- First space flight: STS-129
- Languages: English
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What is Randolph Bresnik's background?
He is an American military officer, former fighter pilot, and active NASA astronaut who graduated from The Citadel and the University of Tennessee.
What missions has he commanded?
He served as the ISS commander for Expedition 53 and was selected to command the Artemis III mission.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Tennessee, The Citadel and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and fighter pilot
