Michael J. McCulley

Michael James McCulley, born on August 4, 1943, is a distinguished retired American naval officer and aviator, recognized for his remarkable contributions to both military and space exploration. As a captain in the United States Navy, he honed his skills as a submariner and test pilot, ultimately becoming the first submariner to venture into space.

McCulley's most notable achievement came during the STS-34 Atlantis mission, where he served as the pilot. This mission was pivotal as it successfully deployed the Galileo spacecraft, setting it on a course toward Jupiter, thereby contributing significantly to our understanding of the solar system.

Beyond his illustrious career as an astronaut, McCulley also made his mark in the business world. From two thousand three to two thousand seven, he held the position of president and chief executive officer of United Space Alliance, a key contractor responsible for various aspects of the space shuttle program operations.