Barry Eugene Wilmore (born December 29, 1962) is an American astronaut, engineer, and a retired United States Navy captain.
Early Life and Education
Wilmore was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee. He graduated from Gallatin High School in 1981 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1985. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1993.
Military Career
Wilmore was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy in 1985. He served as an F/A-18 pilot and instructor, accumulating over 2,000 flight hours. He also served as a test pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent River, Maryland.
NASA Career
Wilmore was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in June 1998. He reported for training in August 1998 and completed two years of training and evaluation. In 2000, he was assigned to the Astronaut Office Robotics Branch.
Space Missions
STS-129/ISS Expedition 21/22 (November 16, 2009 – March 26, 2010)
- Served as the lead spacewalker during three spacewalks
- Helped to install the ExPRESS-3 and ExPRESS-4 integrated cargo carriers to the ISS
- Performed a variety of science experiments and maintenance tasks
Soyuz TMA-14/ISS Expedition 41/42 (September 25, 2014 – March 12, 2015)
- Served as the commander of the ISS Expedition 42
- Conducted six spacewalks totaling over 40 hours
- Conducted a variety of science experiments and maintenance tasks
Awards and Honors
Wilmore has received numerous awards and honors, including:
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- Navy Distinguished Flying Cross
- Navy Air Medal
- Navy Commendation Medal
Personal Life
Wilmore is married to Christina Hilmers Wilmore, a nurse. They have two children, a son and a daughter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is most known for?
A: He is known for his work as an astronaut on the International Space Station and for his contributions to space exploration.
Q: How long has been in space?
A: He has spent a total of 178 days in space over the course of three missions.
Q: What are some of ‘s most significant accomplishments?
A: He has logged over 2000 flight hours as a naval aviator, served as the lead spacewalker on three spacewalks, and commanded the International Space Station.
Q: What is ‘s current occupation?
A: He is currently retired from NASA and works as a consultant and motivational speaker.
References:
Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Tech University is a public university located in Cookeville, Tennessee. Established in 1915, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including engineering, business, education, and healthcare. Tennessee Tech is known for its strong STEM programs and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the Southeast region.
The university has a residential campus with a student body of approximately 10,000. Tennessee Tech’s campus is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Volpe Library, the Center for Manufacturing Research, and the Hooper Eblen Center. The university also has a vibrant student life, offering over 200 student organizations and clubs.
Tennessee Tech is committed to providing its students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their careers and personal lives. The university’s faculty members are dedicated to teaching, research, and outreach, and its alumni are leaders in various fields.
Astronaut
An astronaut is a person who travels into space for scientific research and exploration. Astronauts are typically trained scientists or engineers who have undergone rigorous training to prepare for the physical and mental challenges of space travel. They work on spacecraft, conduct experiments, and perform other tasks in space. Astronauts play a vital role in advancing our understanding of the universe and inspiring future generations of explorers.
Space
Space refers to the vast expanse beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. It encompasses celestial bodies such as stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and galaxies. The study of space is known as astronomy or astrophysics.
Space is characterized by its near-perfect vacuum, extremely low temperatures, and radiation exposure. It is home to many fascinating phenomena, including stars bursting into supernovae, black holes, and the expansion of the universe.
Human exploration of space has advanced significantly over the years, with achievements such as the first manned Moon landing, the deployment of space telescopes, and the development of reusable spacecraft. Space exploration enables us to gain valuable insights into the origins of the universe, search for extraterrestrial life, and develop new technologies and resources.
Student
A student is an individual who is enrolled in an educational institution to acquire knowledge, skills, and qualifications. Students engage in formal learning under the guidance of teachers or instructors and are typically assessed through coursework, exams, and projects.
Students may pursue a wide range of programs, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, vocational training, and certification courses. They come from diverse backgrounds and ages and may be motivated by a variety of factors, such as career advancement, personal enrichment, or fulfilling educational requirements.
Students play a vital role in the educational process. They bring their unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the classroom, contributing to a rich and dynamic learning environment. They are responsible for actively engaging in their studies, participating in class discussions, completing assignments, and seeking support when needed.
NASA Astronaut Corps
The NASA Astronaut Corps is an elite group of highly trained astronauts responsible for carrying out space missions and scientific research for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Selection and Training:
Astronaut candidates undergo a rigorous selection process that includes interviews, physical exams, and technical evaluations. Once selected, they receive extensive training in various areas, including spacewalks, robotics, and emergency procedures.
Responsibilities:
Astronauts play a crucial role in the following aspects of space exploration:
- Conducting space missions aboard spacecraft such as the Space Shuttle and International Space Station
- Repairing satellites and conducting maintenance on spacecraft
- Performing scientific experiments in microgravity and space environments
- Representing NASA and promoting space exploration
Diversity and Representation:
NASA has made significant strides in promoting diversity and representation within the Astronaut Corps. The group now includes astronauts from various backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. This diversity fosters a range of perspectives and expertise.
Legacy and Future:
The NASA Astronaut Corps has a rich history spanning over six decades. Its members have contributed to some of the most iconic space missions, including the moon landing and the establishment of the International Space Station. The corps continues to play a vital role in expanding human knowledge and inspiring generations to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space science. It was established in 1958 in response to the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite.
NASA’s mission is to "pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research." It has a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Human spaceflight: NASA manages the International Space Station and has sent astronauts to the Moon and Mars.
- Space science: NASA conducts research on planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects.
- Earth science: NASA studies the Earth’s climate, atmosphere, and oceans to better understand and protect our planet.
- Aeronautics research: NASA develops new technologies to make aircraft safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.
NASA’s budget is approximately $25 billion per year. It has a staff of over 17,000 employees and contractors. NASA’s headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and it has major facilities in Houston, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Cape Canaveral, Florida; and Pasadena, California.
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a reusable spacecraft system operated by NASA from 1981 to 2011. It consisted of a reusable orbiter (payload bay, crew cabin, and engines) and two expendable solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank.
Mission:
The Space Shuttle’s primary mission was to launch satellites, perform scientific experiments, and assemble and service the International Space Station (ISS).
Design:
The orbiter, the centerpiece of the system, was designed with a large payload bay to carry cargo and astronauts into orbit. The shuttle had three main engines and used solid rocket boosters for initial ascent.
History:
The first Space Shuttle mission (STS-1) launched in 1981. Over its operational lifetime, the shuttle completed 135 missions, launched over 300 payloads, and performed numerous spacewalks. The program was retired in 2011 due to high operating costs and safety concerns.
International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) is a modular space station in low Earth orbit. It is a joint project of five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). The ISS serves as a space research laboratory, an Earth observation platform, and a technology testbed for future space exploration missions.
The station is assembled from multiple pressurized modules, external platforms, and other components. It has been continuously inhabited since November 2000, and has been visited by astronauts and cosmonauts from 17 different countries. The ISS has supported a wide range of scientific research, including experiments in microgravity, biology, and space medicine. It has also been used to assemble and repair satellites, conduct spacewalks, and provide a platform for educational outreach programs.
The ISS is scheduled to remain in operation until at least 2030. After that, it is planned to be deorbited and disposed of in the Pacific Ocean.
Spacewalk
A spacewalk, also known as an extravehicular activity (EVA), is a mission outside a spacecraft in the vacuum of space. Spacewalks are performed by astronauts or cosmonauts to assemble, maintain, and repair satellites, telescopes, and other equipment in orbit.
Spacewalks require specialized training and equipment, including spacesuits, life support systems, and tools. Astronauts must be able to withstand the extreme conditions of space, including radiation, microgravity, and temperature fluctuations.
Spacewalks are essential for the maintenance and advancement of space exploration. They allow engineers and scientists to conduct repairs and experiments that would not be possible from within a spacecraft.
Astronaut Training
Astronaut training involves rigorous physical, mental, and technical preparation to equip individuals for space exploration. Candidates undergo:
- Physical Training: Enduring weightlessness, high G-forces, and extended isolation through simulations and exercises.
- Medical Screening: Assessments to ensure physical and psychological health for space travel.
- Academic Training: Studying astrophysics, geology, and life sciences, as well as spacecraft operations and navigation.
- Technical Skills: Training on spacecraft systems, life support equipment, and spacewalks.
- Teamwork and Communication: Developing collaborative and communication skills for working in high-stress environments.
- Survival Techniques: Learning wilderness survival and emergency management skills for potential contingencies.
- Psychological Support: Receiving ongoing psychological support to cope with the challenges and stressors of spaceflight.
Human Spaceflight
Human spaceflight involves the crewed exploration and utilization of outer space by astronauts. It encompasses the planning, execution, and operation of missions beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Human spaceflight has advanced our understanding of the universe, enabled technological advancements, and promoted international cooperation. Notable milestones include the first human in space (Yuri Gagarin), the Moon landing (Neil Armstrong), and the International Space Station (a joint effort by multiple nations). Human spaceflight continues to be a major endeavor, with ongoing research and missions aimed at expanding our presence in space and advancing scientific knowledge.
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