Astronaut Appearances

Astronauts are back! Join Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in welcoming back NASA’s veteran astronauts as part of our daily schedule and add-on enhancements.  

NASA selects astronauts from a diverse pool of applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds, from scientists to pilots. From the thousands of applications received, only a few are chosen to be a member of the elite NASA Astronaut Corps. Each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visitors get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut. 
 

Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities.  See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive. 

• The daily Astronaut Encounter briefings allow time for a presentation from the astronaut and a question-and-answer session, so be prepared to ask him or her what you have always wanted to know.
• Visitors can also get an astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day.
• During the all-new Chat With An Astronaut, enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space.  This new add-on enhancement requires daily admission.

About Mike Baker:

• From Lemore, California 
  
• Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas 
  
• Designated as a Naval Aviator in 1977 
  
• Served at the United States Naval Test Pilot School as an instructor 
  
• Over 5,400 hours in 50 different types of aircraft, and has conducted 300 carrier landings 
  
• Selected by NASA in 1985 
  
• Has flown on four space shuttle flights, commanding two (STS-68 and 81): 
  
  • STS-43 in 1991 - Tracking Data and Relay Satellite deploy 
    
  • STS-52 in 1992 - Carried the US Microgravity Payload and deployed the Italian LAGEOS satellite 
    
  • STS-68 in 1994 - Carried the Space Radar Laboratory into orbit 
    
  • STS-81 in 1997 - Fifth docking with the Russian Space Station, Mir