Terry W. Virts completed a record-breaking circumnavigation of the Earth via both geographic poles in under 47 hours during 2019. This accomplishment represents just one phase of a career that spans from pilot training in the United States Air Force to commanding the International Space Station, establishing him as a significant figure in modern American aviation and space exploration history.
Military Aviation Foundation
Born in Baltimore in 1967, Virts pursued a trajectory toward flight beginning at the United States Air Force Academy. After graduating in 1989, he earned his pilot wings and transitioned into operational roles flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. His service included deployments across the globe, serving at bases in Germany, the Republic of Korea, and throughout the United States. Following selection for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1997, he operated as an experimental test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base. Over his military tenure, he accumulated more than 5,300 flight hours across 40 different aircraft models, eventually reaching the rank of Colonel.
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Selected by NASA in 2000, Virts transitioned into the astronaut corps, where he focused on systems integration and astronaut training. He served in critical ground support roles, including as a Capsule Communicator and as the lead astronaut for the Space Launch System program. His first spaceflight occurred in 2010 as pilot of STS-130, which delivered the Tranquility module and Cupola to the International Space Station. In 2014, he launched to the station aboard Soyuz TMA-15M for a long-duration mission. He concluded this assignment by leading Expedition 43 as commander in 2015 before retiring from the agency the following year.
Public Engagement and Political Pursuits
Since leaving NASA, Virts has moved into media production, film-making, and literature, notably publishing a photography collection titled View From Above with National Geographic. His post-government career includes public speaking and consultancy, as well as an active involvement in aviation record-setting. More recently, he has turned toward national politics. In 2025, he entered the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas as a Democrat, emphasizing positions on immigration, before pivoting his campaign to focus on the race for the Texas 9th Congressional District.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Baltimore
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: United States Air Force Academy; Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
- Spaceflight: STS-130; Expedition 43
- Circumnavigation: 46 hours, 40 minutes, 22 seconds
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal; Air Medal
Questions readers ask
Did Terry W. Virts command the International Space Station?
Yes, he served as the commander of the International Space Station during Expedition 43 in 2015.
What aircraft has he flown?
Virts has logged over 5,300 flight hours in 40 different aircraft, most notably the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Academy and Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and Trekkie
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