Barry Wilmore

Barry Wilmore, born on December 29, 1962, is a distinguished American retired NASA astronaut and United States Navy test pilot. With a remarkable career that spans various roles, including naval officer, engineer, naval aviator, and fighter pilot, Wilmore has made significant contributions to both military and space exploration.

His journey into space began with an eleven-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in November 2009, where he served as pilot for mission STS-129. Over the course of three spaceflights, Wilmore accumulated an impressive total of four hundred sixty-four days off Earth and spent thirty-two hours conducting extravehicular activities outside of a spacecraft.

Wilmore's expertise as a test pilot was honed prior to his selection as a NASA astronaut in July 2000, during which he played a pivotal role in the development of the T-45 Goshawk jet trainer. He later served on Expedition 41/42 aboard the International Space Station, showcasing his skills in a microgravity environment.

In a historic return to the ISS on June 5, 2024, Wilmore participated in the Boeing Crew Flight Test, marking the first crewed mission of the Boeing Starliner. He returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, alongside his Crew-9 colleagues. The crew that succeeded them arrived on March 16, furthering the ongoing exploration of space.

Looking ahead, on March 3, 2026, Barry Wilmore announced his intention to run in the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election as a Republican, demonstrating his commitment to public service beyond his illustrious career in aviation and space.