NASA astronaut Mike Fincke is retiring after a distinguished 30-year career with the space agency. Known as one of the most experienced astronauts in history, Fincke leaves behind a legacy defined by 549 days in space, nine spacewalks, and two stints as commander of the International Space Station.
His career spanned the era of the space shuttle through the transition to commercial crew vehicles. Fincke was a critical figure in the development and testing of modern spacecraft, including the SpaceX Crew Dragon and Boeing Starliner. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight-test engineer before joining the astronaut corps in 1996, eventually training for missions in both Russia and the United States.
His final mission, Crew-11, concluded early in early 2026 after Fincke experienced a medical issue that prompted a return to Earth. NASA later confirmed that the astronaut suffered a temporary inability to speak during the flight. Fincke has since made a full recovery and remains in good health as he departs the agency.
Throughout his tenure, Fincke served as a science officer, robotic-arm operator, and a vital leader for station operations. He played a direct role in the installation of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and performed the final spacewalks conducted by a shuttle crew. His work helped shape the operational protocols that guide current spaceflight.
NASA leadership praised Fincke for his humility and technical expertise. While his plans outside the agency remain private, Fincke stated his intent to remain involved in exploration efforts and to assist the next generation of engineers and space travelers. His departure marks the end of a long, historic period of service for the U.S. space program.