Early Life and Education:
– Born in Baltimore, Maryland
– Considers Columbia, Maryland his hometown
– Graduated from Oakland Mills High School in 1985
– Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989
– Obtained a Master of Aeronautical Science degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1997
Military Career Highlights:
– Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1989
– Earned pilot wings at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona
– Completed training in the F-16 Fighting Falcon
– Assigned to various fighter squadrons in the U.S. and abroad
– Selected for test pilot school in 1997 at Edwards Air Force Base, California
NASA Career Achievements:
– Selected as a Space Shuttle pilot by NASA in 2000
– Lead astronaut for the NASA T-38 program
– Supported Expedition 9 as a crew support astronaut
– Served as Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM)
– Commanded Expedition 43 as the International Space Station commander
Post-NASA Career Ventures:
– Engaged in public speaking and podcast appearances
– Provided business consultancy services
– Involved in literature, film-making, and screenwriting
– Participated in a historic aviation expedition in 2019
– Made appearances on podcasts and joined Group of Humans in 2022
Awards, Honors, and Publications:
– Graduated with distinction from the United States Air Force Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
– Graduated as a distinguished student from Undergraduate Pilot Training
– Received prestigious decorations and medals including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Aerial Achievement Medal
– Published books such as ‘View From Above,’ ‘Apo11o,’ and ‘How To Astronaut’
– Featured in documentaries like ‘A Beautiful Planet’ and ‘One More Orbit Mission’
Terry W. Virts (born December 1, 1967) is a retired NASA astronaut, International Space Station Commander and colonel in the United States Air Force.
Terry Virts | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | December 1, 1967 |
| Education | United States Air Force Academy (BS) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (MS) |
| Space career | |
| NASA astronaut | |
| Rank | Colonel, USAF |
Time in space | 213d 10h 48m |
| Selection | NASA Group 18 (2000) |
Total EVAs | 3 |
Total EVA time | 19h 2m |
| Missions | STS-130 Soyuz TMA-15M (Expedition 42/43) |
Mission insignia |    |