posted 08-06-2025 03:04 PM               

NASA Astronaut Barry 'Butch' Wilmore Retires

After 25 years at NASA, flying in four different spacecraft, accumulating 464 days in space, astronaut and test pilot Butch Wilmore has retired from NASA.

The Tennessee native earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University and a master's degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee.

Wilmore is a decorated U.S. Navy captain who has flown numerous tactical aircraft operationally while deploying aboard four aircraft carriers during peacetime and combat operations. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he went on to serve as a test pilot before NASA selected him to become an astronaut in 2000.

"Butch's commitment to NASA's mission and dedication to human space exploration is truly exemplary," said Steve Koerner, acting director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "His lasting legacy of fortitude will continue to impact and inspire the Johnson workforce, future explorers, and the nation for generations. On behalf of NASA's Johnson Space Center, we thank Butch for his service."

During his time at NASA, Wilmore completed three missions launching aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, Roscosmos Soyuz, and Boeing Starliner to the International Space Station. Wilmore also returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Additionally, he conducted five spacewalks, totaling 32 hours outside the orbital laboratory.

"Throughout his career, Butch has exemplified the technical excellence of what is required of an astronaut. His mastery of complex systems, coupled with his adaptability and steadfast commitment to NASA's mission, has inspired us all," said Joe Acaba, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson. "As he steps into this new chapter, that same dedication will no doubt continue to show in whatever he decides to do next."

Most recently, Wilmore launched aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed flight test mission, arriving at the space station the following day. While aboard the station, Wilmore completed numerous tasks, including a spacewalk to help remove a radio frequency group antenna assembly from the station's truss and collected samples and surface material for analysis from the Destiny laboratory and the Quest airlock.

"From my earliest days, I have been captivated by the marvels of creation, looking upward with an insatiable curiosity. This curiosity propelled me into the skies, and eventually to space, where the magnificence of the cosmos mirrored the glory of its creator in ways words can scarcely convey," said Wilmore. "Even as I ventured beyond Earth's limits, I remained attuned to the beauty and significance of the world below, recognizing the same intricate design evident among the stars is also woven into the fabric of life at home."

posted 08-06-2025 03:06 PM               

Tennessee Tech applauds legendary alumnus, trustee Barry 'Butch' Wilmore upon retirement from NASA

Tennessee Tech University honored two-time graduate, university trustee and astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore upon his retirement from NASA after 25 years of service and 464 total days in space.

Tech President Phil Oldham released the following statement:

"Captain Wilmore is the best of us. He is a role model for our students, an inspiration to this entire campus community and a personal friend to me. His determination, faith and Tennessee Tech education have taken him beyond what most of us could ever imagine. From his service on our Board of Trustees, to his video calls with our students from the International Space Station, we are enormously proud that, at every turn in his journey, he has remembered his Golden Eagle roots."

"Captain Wilmore's remarkable career at NASA has landed him in the history books. With his well-deserved retirement, we look forward to more opportunities to welcome him, Deanna, and their daughters Daryn and Logan back to Cookeville, where he will always have a place of honor on this campus."

In a statement from NASA, Joe Acaba, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center, praised Wilmore's "mastery of complex systems, coupled with his adaptability and steadfast commitment to NASA's mission."

Wilmore became a household name after technical challenges on the recent Boeing Starliner mission led to a more-than-nine-month stay at the International Space Station before he and fellow astronaut Suni Williams returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

Most recently, Wilmore was honored at Tech's June 26 Board of Trustees meeting with the "Order of the Eagle Award," the university's highest honor, which has only been awarded once previously in Tech's 110-year history. Also at the meeting, trustees unanimously passed a resolution naming the university's pedestrian walkway and plaza "Wilmore Way." A formal dedication is slated for later this fall.

Wilmore holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Tech's College of Engineering. He received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2012, received Tech's Outstanding Alumni Award in 2010 and was inducted into Tech's Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Wilmore's term on the university's Board of Trustees lasts until 2026.