NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke Retires After 30-Year Career

Veteran NASA astronaut Mike Fincke is retiring from the agency after a 30-year career marked by four space missions, 549 days in orbit, and a legacy that spans the International Space Station's assembly and the development of new commercial spacecraft. His departure, announced on August 12, 2026, comes seven months after a medical emergency aboard the station that cut his final mission short.

Fincke, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, ranks fourth among NASA astronauts for cumulative time in space. He completed nine spacewalks totaling over 48 hours, supporting the construction and maintenance of the International Space Station. His career began in 1996 when he was selected as part of the 16th astronaut class, and he flew to space four times on three different spacecraft: the Russian Soyuz, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and the SpaceX Dragon.

"Few people have had the opportunity to shape as many chapters of NASA's history as Mike Fincke," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. "From long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station to helping prepare the Artemis generation, his contributions have helped position NASA for what comes next."