Michael E. Fossum

Michael E. Fossum is an American engineer, test pilot, and retired NASA astronaut. A veteran of three Space Shuttle missions and a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station, he has logged nearly 195 days in space. Fossum served as the commander of Expedition 29 and held key leadership roles within NASA, including Chief Operating Officer of the Office of the Chief Technologist and Deputy Director of the Johnson Space Center.

Early life and education

Michael Edward Fossum was born on December 19, 1957, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but considers McAllen, Texas, his hometown. He developed an early interest in aviation and space, which led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Fossum earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in 1980, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the ROTC program. He later completed a Master of Science in systems engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1981 and a second Master of Science in physical science from the University of Houston–Clear Lake in 1997.

NASA career

Selected as a mission specialist as part of NASA's 1998 astronaut class, Fossum underwent extensive training at the Johnson Space Center. His technical assignments included serving as a spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM, in Mission Control Center for both Space Shuttle and International Space Station expeditions. He also held management roles, including Deputy of the Space Station Operations Branch and later served as the Chief of the Space Station Branch within the Astronaut Office. His leadership continued post-flight, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Director of the Johnson Space Center.

Spaceflight experience

Fossum's first spaceflight was as a mission specialist on STS-121 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2006, a crucial return-to-flight mission to the International Space Station following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. His second mission was STS-124 in 2008, again on *Discovery*, which delivered the Japanese Kibō laboratory module. His third and longest flight began in 2011, launching on STS-134 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour to join Expedition 28. He served as a flight engineer and later assumed command of Expedition 29, spending over 167 days consecutively in orbit. During his flights, he performed seven spacewalks, accumulating 48 hours and 32 minutes of EVA time.

Post-NASA career and awards

After retiring from NASA in 2017, Fossum joined Texas A&M University as a professor of practice and was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Texas A&M University System's RELLIS Campus. He has received numerous honors, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Space Flight Medal (three times), and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He is also a recipient of the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. Fossum was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2022.

Personal life

Fossum is married to the former Melanie J. London, and they have four children. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys flying, hiking, and photography. He is a Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve and has been actively involved in educational outreach, frequently speaking to students about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He is also a dedicated Boy Scouts of America volunteer and has served on the national board of the Space Foundation.

Category:American astronauts Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:NASA astronauts Category:International Space Station personnel Category:Texas A&M University alumni