Michael e fossum biography of barack

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Colonel United States Air Force Reserves, since 1992.

Achievements

• Michael E. Fossum has been listed as a noteworthy astronaut by Marquis Who's Who.

Interests

• Jogging, fishing, backpacking, motorcycling.

  Michael E. Fossum '80 currently serves as a Vice President of Texas A&M University, the Chief Operating Officer of the Galveston Campus, and the Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy.

  Resigned, 1992; system engineer National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1993, representative Flight Crew Operations Directorate on International Space Station redesign, 1993—1996, technical assistant space shuttle, 1996—1997, flight test engineer X-38, 1997—1998.

  

Connections

Married Melanie J. London. EDT from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A, the 13-day mission represented the 123rd Space Shuttle flight and the 26th to the ISS, advancing international collaboration in space research.^[13]Fossum served as a mission specialist on the seven-member crew, led by Commander Mark E.

Kelly and Pilot Kenneth T. Ham, which also included mission specialists Fossum, Karen L. Nyberg, Ronald J. Garan Jr., Gregory H. Chamitoff, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide.^[1]Discovery docked with the ISS's Harmony module on June 2, allowing the crew to transfer the 37-foot-long, 32,000-pound Kibo PM to the station's port side using the shuttle and ISS robotic arms.^[13] Over the next week, the team activated the module, outfitted it with internal racks for scientific payloads, and tested the RMS for future use in deploying experiments outside the station.^[13] This installation significantly expanded the ISS's research capabilities, enabling microgravity studies in biology, materials science, and Earth observation.^[13]Building on his extravehicular activity (EVA) experience from STS-121, Fossum led three spacewalks with Garan as his partner, totaling 20 hours and 32 minutes, focused on preparing and supporting Kibo's integration.^[1] The first EVA on June 3 lasted 6 hours and 48 minutes, during which they transferred the Orbiter Boom Sensor System back to Discovery, removed protective covers from Kibo, and inspected a solar array joint on the station's truss.^[14] The second EVA on June 5, 7 hours and 11 minutes, involved installing mounting hardware and power/data cables for the Kibo RMS, relocating a spare parts platform, and preparing a nitrogen tank assembly.^[15] The third EVA on June 12, 6 hours and 33 minutes, replaced a depleted nitrogen tank on the ISS starboard truss, added video cameras to the RMS, and completed additional outfitting tasks for Kibo.^[16]Throughout the mission, Fossum and the crew conducted joint operations with the ISS Expedition 17 residents, including crew exchanges where Chamitoff joined the station crew and Garrett Reisman returned home.^[13] They performed initial experiments in Kibo, such as fluid physics tests and biological sample growth, while maintaining station systems and transferring over 7,000 pounds of supplies.^[13]Discovery undocked from the ISS on June 11 after 9 days, completing 217 orbits at an altitude of about 220 miles.^[13] The shuttle landed at Kennedy Space Center on June 14 at 11:15 a.m.

They have four children and seven grandchildren. He has logged over 2,000 hours in 35 different aircraft throughout the course of his career. Achievements include logging over 1000 hours in 34 different aircraft. Distinguished graduate, United States Air Force Test Pilot School, 1985.

Master of Science in Physical (Space) Science, University Houston, Clear Lake, Texas, 1997.

Career

Commissioned United States Air Force, 1980, flight test engineer F-16 test squadron Edwards Air Force Base, California, 1985—1989, flight test manager detachment 3 Air Force Flight Test Center, 1989—1992.

The third EVA, on July 12 (flight day 9), endured 7 hours and 11 minutes and centered on testing shuttle repair techniques, such as applying NOAX sealant to simulated damage on thermal tiles using the shuttle's robotic arm extension.Overall, Fossum's EVAs totaled 21 hours and 29 minutes, supporting the mission's goals of enhancing ISS functionality and validating procedures for future shuttle repairs.^[8]Discovery undocked from the ISS on July 15, and the crew returned to Earth on July 17, 2006, at 9:15 a.m.

Astronaut, mission specialist candidate National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, since 1998.

Astronaut office lead Space Station flight software development. He is also a graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School and has earned Master of Science degrees in Systems Engineering and Physical Science/Space Science.

Fossum was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grew up in McAllen, Texas.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1980. Lead spacewalker, mission specialist STS-124 Mission (Discovery), mission to International Space Station to launch components to complete Japanese Kibo Lab, 2008. The second EVA, on July 10 (flight day 7), ran 6 hours and 47 minutes, during which the crew replaced the nadir-side Trailing Umbilical System (TUS) reel assembly—a critical component for the mobile transporter's operation that provides power, data, and command signals, including positioning capabilities akin to GPS functions—to restore full mobility along the station's truss structure.

Lead CAPCOM Space Station Expedition-6.

Crew member STS-121 (Discovery), a return-to-flight test mission and assembly flight to the International Space Station, 2006. He enjoys family and outdoor activities. Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, 1981. EDT, for a total mission duration of 13 days, 18 hours, 13 minutes, and 7 seconds, covering approximately 5.8 million miles.^[13]

Expedition 28/29

Fossum launched on his third spaceflight on June 7, 2011, at 21:12 UTC aboard the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, alongside Russian cosmonaut Sergei Volkov and Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa.^[1] The crew docked with the International Space Station (ISS) two days later on June 9, 2011, joining the Expedition 28 crew for a planned six-month stay.^[17] Fossum served as Flight Engineer for Expedition 28, supporting ongoing station operations, before assuming command of Expedition 29 on September 16, 2011, following the departure of the previous crew via Soyuz TMA-21.^[1]During the mission, Fossum participated in one extravehicular activity (EVA) on July 12, 2011, with fellow NASA astronaut Ron Garan, lasting 6 hours and 31 minutes.^[18] This spacewalk, conducted from the Quest airlock and supported by the visiting Space Shuttle Atlantis crew during STS-135, involved retrieving a failed ammoniapump module from the ISS and transferring it to the docked Atlantis for return to Earth, installing the Robotic Refueling Mission payload to test satellite servicing technologies, and completing maintenance tasks on the ISS structure.^[17] The EVA marked the final U.S.

spacewalk involving shuttle astronauts and contributed to preparations for future robotic operations on the station.^[18]Fossum's primary responsibilities included overseeing scientific research across multiple disciplines, such as testing the Robonauthumanoid robot for assistive tasks, and conducting experiments on human physiology, including vision impairment in microgravity and fluid physics for manufacturing applications.^[17][19] He coordinated with international partners from Roscosmos and JAXA, managing over 100 experiments that advanced knowledge in biology, materials science, and Earth observation while ensuring system maintenance and repairs to sustain station habitability.^[20]The mission concluded with Fossum, Volkov, and Furukawa undocking Soyuz TMA-02M on November 21, 2011, and landing safely in Kazakhstan on November 22, 2011, at 02:26 UTC after 167 days, 6 hours, and 14 minutes in space, comprising 2,672 orbits and a distance of approximately 66.5 million miles.^[1] This flight brought Fossum's cumulative time in space to 194 days, 2 hours, and 19 minutes.^[5]

Post-NASA activities

Texas A&M University roles

Following his retirement from NASA in January 2017 after a 15-year career that included three spaceflights, Michael E.

Fossum was appointed as Vice President of Texas A&M University and Chief Operating Officer of the Galveston campus in March 2017.^[21][22] In this role, Fossum oversees key administrative functions, including student affairs, administration and auxiliary services, marine education support and safety, marketing and communications, finance and compliance, as well as broader campus operations such as research support, information technology, and campus safety.^[23] He promotes academic excellence, innovation, and a safe environment while ensuring integrity in all campus activities.^[23]In October 2019, Fossum's responsibilities expanded to include serving as Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, in addition to his existing positions.^[24] As Superintendent, he provides direct oversight of the academy's educational training programs, licensure requirements, and commissioned officer pathways, which serve over 425 cadets through options like the Maritime License program, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, and the Strategic Sealift Midshipman program.^[24] Under his leadership, the academy has pursued infrastructure developments, including the acquisition of a new maritime training vessel, enhancements to the Galveston Wharves Training Facility, and the Galveston Offshore Lightering Facility.^[24]Fossum, a Texas A&M alumnus from the class of 1980, continues in these roles as of 2025, guiding the Galveston campus's growth in maritime education and operations.^[3] Recent initiatives under his direction include the ongoing construction of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall (as of late 2024), with updates on project progress issued in September and October 2024 to support expanded cadet housing and program capacity; the project was planned to continue into summer 2025.^[25] In August 2025, he issued a welcome message emphasizing community and academic priorities for the new academic year.^[26]

Public and educational engagements

Following his NASA career, which included over 194 days in space across three missions, Michael E.

Fossum has actively engaged in public speaking and educational outreach to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly in aviation and space exploration.^[1] His efforts emphasize sharing personal experiences to motivate students and young professionals toward STEM careers.^[2]On September 5, 2023, Fossum visited Michael E.

Fossum Middle School in McAllen, Texas—a school named in his honor—to interact with students and encourage their pursuit of STEM fields, highlighting his roots in the Rio Grande Valley as the region's only NASA astronaut.^[27] In a similar vein, he delivered an inspirational talk titled "Reach for the Stars" as part of TexS Talks in 2022, recounting his journey from childhood fascination with space—sparked by Sputnik in 1957 and the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969—to becoming a mechanical engineer, test pilot, and International Space Station commander, urging youth to chase ambitious goals in aviation and space through education and perseverance.^[28]Fossum continued his STEM advocacy with a keynote address at STEM Nation 2025, a student conference hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Philanthropic Foundation on May 20, 2025, at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas, where he drew on his NASA tenure to motivate attendees to explore STEM opportunities and build on Texas's legacy in space innovation.^[29] He participated in TexS Talks at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, discussing Texas's pivotal role in the U.S.

space program and the interdisciplinary skills required for space missions, fostering greater public appreciation for aviation and space exploration.^[30]In addition to space-focused engagements, Fossum has promoted broader educational outreach through lectures on career development. During his last mission in 2011, Fossum served as the Commander of the International Space Station.

Decorated Meritorious Service medal with two oak leaf clusters United States Air Force, Squadron Commander Corps of Cadets; named Distinguished Military Graduate, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University. EDT to Runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center, completing the flight in 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes, and 54 seconds after 202 orbits.^[10]

STS-124

STS-124 marked Michael E.

Fossum's second spaceflight, aboard Space Shuttle Discovery from May 31 to June 14, 2008, as part of NASA's ongoing assembly of the International Space Station (ISS).^[13] The primary objective was to deliver and install the Pressurized Module (PM) of Japan's Kibo laboratory, along with the Japanese Remote Manipulator System (RMS), a 33-foot robotic arm designed to support experiments and external operations on the station.^[13] Launched at 5:02 p.m.

At the Port of Galveston's National Maritime Day celebration on May 22, 2025, he spoke to the public about the vital need for skilled workers in the expanding maritime industry, connecting themes of engineering and exploration to his experiences in high-stakes environments like spaceflight.^[31] On October 7, 2025, he presented "Mission Possible: Stories from Space" at Texas A&M Galveston.^[32] These activities underscore his commitment to mentorship, using real-world examples from his aviation and space background to guide emerging talent in STEM-related fields from 2020 to 2025, though no major publications on his space experiences have been issued in this period.^[2]

Personal life

Family

Fossum was born on December 19, 1957, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Merlyn E.

Fossum and Patricia A. Fossum, before the family moved to McAllen, Texas, where he spent his formative years; both of his parents are deceased.^[1]He married his college sweetheart, Melanie J. London, on September 21, 1980, in Navarro County, Texas.^[33] The couple has four children, including son Mitchell Fossum, a U.S.

Air Force officer who commands the 336th Fighter Squadron.^[34][35] They also have eight grandchildren as of 2024.^[3][36]Fossum's family offered vital support throughout his Air Force and NASA careers, including accompanying him on key relocations such as to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio for graduate studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology from 1980 to 1981, to Edwards Air Force Base in California for test pilot training and F-16 flight testing from 1985 to 1992, and ultimately to Houston, Texas, for his long-term NASA roles starting in 1993.^[1] This support extended to his spaceflights, with his wife Melanie, three sons, and other relatives traveling to Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to witness his June 2011 Soyuz launch, followed by ongoing video communications that bolstered his morale aboard the International Space Station.^[37]Fossum enjoys backpacking, motorcycle riding, and family activities.^[1]

Scouting involvement

Michael E.

Fossum achieved the rank of Eagle Scout during his youth, earning the award in 1975 as part of his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America.^[38]Fossum later served as Scoutmaster of Troop 1598 in Webster, Texas, from 2006 to 2019, leading the troop while balancing his career as an astronaut and military officer.^[39][4]During his time in space, Fossum promoted scouting values by conducting the first-ever Scoutmaster Conference from orbit aboard the International Space Station, providing guidance to troop members on leadership and personal development.^[4][40] He has continued to integrate scouting principles into spaceeducation efforts, such as speaking at events like the 24th World Scout Jamboree to inspire young participants with lessons from his expeditions linking exploration and service.^[41]In recognition of his lifelong contributions to scouting, Fossum received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in 2013 from the Boy Scouts of America.^[38][1]

Awards and honors

Military decorations

Michael E.

Fossum earned the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters during his U.S. Air Force career, recognizing his outstanding non-combat achievements and service.^[1] This decoration, established in 1965, is awarded to Air Force personnel for meritorious performance that distinguishes them through exceptional leadership, technical expertise, or contributions to mission success, falling between the Legion of Merit and lower achievement awards in precedence.^[42]