Michael Fincke is an American astronaut and retired United States Air Force colonel who ranks among the most experienced spacefarers in NASA’s history. A veteran of four spaceflights across three different types of spacecraft, he accumulated more than 549 days in orbit, placing him fourth on NASA’s all-time list for cumulative time in space. Over a distinguished 30-year career, he commanded the International Space Station, performed nine spacewalks, and contributed significantly to America’s Commercial Crew Program before retiring from NASA in 2026.
Michael Fincke Biography, Wiki
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Edward Michael Fincke |
| Known As | Mike Fincke |
| Nickname | “Spanky” |
| Date of Birth | 14 March 1967 |
| Age (2026) | 59 years |
| Birthplace | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Hometown | Emsworth, Pennsylvania |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Profession | Astronaut; retired US Air Force colonel |
| NASA Selection | Astronaut Group 16 (1996) |
| Spaceflights | Four |
| Time in Space | More than 549 days (fourth all-time for NASA) |
| Spacewalks | Nine, totaling over 48 hours |
| Education | MIT, Stanford University and the University of Houston-Clear Lake |
| Retired from NASA | 12 August 2026 |
Michael Fincke Details
| Mission | Detail |
| Expedition 9 (2004) | Flight engineer, aboard Soyuz TMA-4 |
| Expedition 18 (2008 to 2009) | Commander of the space station |
| STS-134 (2011) | Mission specialist on the final Endeavour flight |
| SpaceX Crew-11 (2025 to 2026) | Flew as pilot; commanded Expedition 74 |
| Cumulative | More than 549 days in orbit, fourth all-time for NASA |
| Spacewalks | Nine EVAs, over 48 hours total |
Michael Fincke Events
| Year | Event |
| 14 March 1967 | Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| 1989 | Graduated from MIT and commissioned in the Air Force |
| 1996 | Selected as a NASA astronaut |
| 2004 | Flew his first mission, Expedition 9 |
| 2008 to 2009 | Commanded Expedition 18 |
| 2011 | Flew on STS-134 aboard Endeavour |
| 2025 to 2026 | Flew SpaceX Crew-11 and commanded Expedition 74 |
| 2026 | Retired from NASA |
Michael Fincke Early Life and Education
Michael Fincke was born Edward Michael Fincke on 14 March 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and considers the nearby borough of Emsworth to be his hometown. He graduated from Sewickley Academy in 1985 and went on to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, earning bachelor’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics and in earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences in 1989. He continued his studies with graduate degrees, including a master’s from Stanford University, and pursued further education over his career. Known for his love of learning, he became conversant in both Japanese and Russian.
Michael Fincke Military Career
Michael Fincke built a distinguished career as a United States Air Force officer before and alongside his time with NASA. Commissioned upon his graduation from MIT, he served as an Air Force test pilot and space systems engineer, accumulating thousands of flight hours across dozens of types of aircraft, and he served as an exchange pilot in Japan. He rose to the rank of colonel before retiring from the Air Force, and his test-piloting background provided an ideal foundation for his subsequent career as an astronaut.
Michael Fincke NASA Career
Michael Fincke’s Selection and Early Assignments
Michael Fincke was selected by NASA as part of its 16th astronaut class in 1996. After completing his training, he took on a series of technical roles within the Astronaut Office, including serving as a spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM, for the International Space Station, working with crew procedures, and serving as a backup crew member for early station expeditions. He also gained experience in extreme-environment analogue missions, including commanding an underwater NASA mission and taking part in a European cave-exploration expedition.
Michael Fincke’s Space Station Expeditions
Michael Fincke first flew to space in 2004, serving as the science officer and flight engineer for Expedition 9 aboard the International Space Station, launching on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and spending six months in orbit, during which he performed four spacewalks. He returned to the station in 2008 for Expedition 18, this time as its commander, cementing his reputation as a highly capable long-duration astronaut and station leader.
Michael Fincke on the Space Shuttle
Michael Fincke flew his third mission in 2011 as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-134, which was the final flight of that orbiter. The mission delivered a major scientific instrument to the International Space Station, and his participation made him one of a select group of astronauts to have flown on multiple types of spacecraft, adding shuttle experience to his extensive station background.
Michael Fincke’s Commercial Crew Mission
Michael Fincke was deeply involved in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, spending years supporting the development of new American spacecraft, and he flew his fourth mission as part of that effort. In August 2025 he launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on the Crew-11 mission, serving as a flight engineer for Expedition 73 and then as commander of Expedition 74. The mission returned to Earth in January 2026, somewhat earlier than planned, after a medical situation affecting a crew member; this profile notes that matter only briefly and factually, out of respect for privacy. With this flight he became one of a small number of people to have launched to orbit aboard three different kinds of spacecraft.
Michael Fincke’s Records and Achievements
Michael Fincke compiled an exceptional record over his four spaceflights. He accumulated more than 549 days in space, placing him fourth on NASA’s all-time list for cumulative time in orbit, and he completed nine spacewalks totaling more than 48 hours of extravehicular activity. His experience commanding the space station twice, flying on three different spacecraft, and contributing to the development of new crewed vehicles marked him as one of the most accomplished and versatile astronauts of his generation.
Michael Fincke’s Retirement and Legacy
Michael Fincke retired from NASA in August 2026, after 30 years of service with the agency. In reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude to his crewmates, ground teams, international partners and family, and spoke of his eagerness to help prepare the next generation of engineers, explorers and leaders, and of his belief in humanity’s future journeys to the Moon, Mars and beyond. NASA leadership praised his decades of dedication to advancing the space program, and his legacy stands as one of remarkable experience, leadership and service in human spaceflight.
Michael Fincke Personal Life
Michael Fincke is married to the former Renita Saikia of Houston, Texas, and the couple have three children. His wife’s parents originally came from Assam, in India, and later settled in Houston. Beyond his time with his family, he has a wide range of interests, including travel, geology, astronomy, reading and learning new languages, reflecting the curiosity that has characterised his career. His parents, Edward and Alma Fincke, reside in his hometown of Emsworth, Pennsylvania.
Michael Fincke Height and Physical Profile
Michael Fincke met the rigorous physical and medical standards required of astronauts throughout his long career of spaceflight and spacewalks. His fitness and endurance supported his extensive time in orbit and his nine spacewalks, though specific personal measurements are not a significant part of his public record.
Michael Fincke Net Worth and Earnings
A reliable, verified figure for Michael Fincke’s net worth is not a significant part of the public record, and this profile does not put forward one. His income came from his long careers as a United States Air Force officer and a NASA astronaut, both of which are salaried public-service roles. His significance rests on his extraordinary record in human spaceflight and his service rather than on any financial measure.
| Source | Detail |
| Net worth | Not reliably documented |
| Main income sources | His careers as an Air Force officer and a NASA astronaut |
Michael Fincke Social Media
Michael Fincke has maintained a public presence connected to NASA and human spaceflight, sharing his missions and experiences, and news of his career and retirement has been carried through NASA and the space-news media.
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
| Official channels | NASA and the Astronaut Office | Mission information |
| Public information | Space and science media | How news about him is reported |
Michael Fincke Controversies
No significant personal controversy involving Michael Fincke surfaced in the material examined for this profile. His public profile rests on his distinguished careers in the Air Force and at NASA, and coverage of him has focused on his spaceflights, his records and his service rather than on any scandal.
Lesser Known Facts About Michael Fincke
- His full name is Edward Michael Fincke, and his nickname is “Spanky.”
- He considers Emsworth, Pennsylvania, to be his hometown.
- He is conversant in both Japanese and Russian.
- He commanded the International Space Station twice.
- He flew on three different types of spacecraft.
- He ranks fourth among NASA astronauts for cumulative time in space.
- He retired from NASA in 2026 after 30 years of service.
Michael Fincke FAQ
Who is Michael Fincke?
He is an American astronaut and retired US Air Force colonel, a veteran of four spaceflights who ranks fourth among NASA astronauts for time in space.
How old is Michael Fincke?
Born on 14 March 1967, he is 59 years old in 2026.
How much time has Michael Fincke spent in space?
He has accumulated more than 549 days in orbit, placing him fourth on NASA’s all-time list.
How many spaceflights has Michael Fincke completed?
He completed four spaceflights, across three different types of spacecraft.
What missions did Michael Fincke fly?
He flew Expedition 9, Expedition 18, the shuttle mission STS-134, and SpaceX Crew-11 with Expedition 73 and 74.
How many spacewalks has Michael Fincke done?
He completed nine spacewalks, totaling more than 48 hours of extravehicular activity.
When did Michael Fincke retire from NASA?
He retired from NASA in August 2026, after 30 years of service.
Where is Michael Fincke from?
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and considers Emsworth, Pennsylvania, his hometown.
Where did Michael Fincke study?
He studied at MIT, earning two bachelor’s degrees, and later earned graduate degrees, including from Stanford University.
What is notable about Michael Fincke’s spaceflight experience?
He commanded the space station twice and is one of a small number of people to have launched aboard three different types of spacecraft.
Sources
NASA, NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke Leaves NASA, Career Includes 4 Spaceflights,
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-astronaut-mike-fincke-leaves-nasa-career-includes-4-spaceflights/
Spaceflight Now, Mike Fincke, a 30-year astronaut with experience across four spacecraft, retires from NASA,
https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/08/12/mike-fincke-a-30-year-astronaut-with-experience-across-four-human-rated-spacecraft-retires-from-nasa