Mike Hopkins
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| Mike Hopkins | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mike Hopkins |
| Caption | NASA portrait |
| Type | NASA astronaut |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Active |
| Birth date | 28 December 1968 |
| Birth place | Lebanon, Missouri, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (BS), Stanford University (MS) |
| Occupation | Test pilot, engineer |
| Rank | Colonel, United States Air Force |
| Selection | NASA Group 20 (2009) |
| Time | 166 days |
| Mission | Soyuz TMA-10M, Expedition 37, Expedition 38, SpaceX Crew-1 |
Mike Hopkins is an American astronaut and United States Air Force colonel who has completed two long-duration missions to the International Space Station. Selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 20 in 2009, he first flew aboard a Soyuz spacecraft and later served as spacecraft commander for the inaugural operational mission of the SpaceX Crew Dragon. His career spans military service, test pilot duties, and high-level roles within the United States Space Force.
Early life and education
Hopkins was born in Lebanon, Missouri, and grew up on a farm near Richland, Missouri. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a football scholarship, playing as a defensive back for the Fighting Illini while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. He subsequently obtained a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from Stanford University. His military career began after receiving his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Illinois.
NASA career
Selected by NASA in June 2009, Hopkins completed astronaut candidate training, which included intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, spacewalk procedures, T-38 Talon jet operations, and the Russian language. He served in various support roles within the Astronaut Office, including as a capsule communicator in Mission Control Center for multiple ISS expeditions. His technical assignments involved work on the development of the Commercial Crew Program and the Orion spacecraft.
Spaceflight experience
Hopkins launched on his first spaceflight in September 2013 as a flight engineer for Expedition 37 and Expedition 38, traveling to the International Space Station aboard Soyuz TMA-10M. During his 166-day mission, he conducted two spacewalks totaling nearly 13 hours to replace a degraded pump module on the station's exterior. He returned to Earth in March 2014. His second flight was as commander of SpaceX Crew-1, the first operational mission of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, named *Resilience*. Launched in November 2020 as part of Expedition 64, his crew spent nearly six months aboard the orbiting laboratory, supporting hundreds of scientific experiments.
Post-NASA career
Following his NASA service, Hopkins transferred to the United States Space Force in 2021, becoming one of the first astronauts to serve in the new military branch. He was assigned as the deputy director of operations for the United States Space Command at Peterson Space Force Base. In this role, he contributes to the integration of space capabilities for the United States Armed Forces. He has also been involved in advocacy for STEM education and frequently speaks about his experiences in spaceflight.
Awards and honors
Hopkins has received numerous decorations including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. His military awards include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. He is a recipient of the University of Illinois College of Engineering Alumni Award and has been recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Category:American astronauts Category:NASA astronauts Category:United States Space Force personnel Category:1968 births Category:Living people