# Michael Fincke

> American astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q362261](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q362261)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Fincke)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michael-fincke

## Summary
Michael Fincke is an American astronaut who served as a crew member on multiple NASA space missions, including the International Space Station (ISS). He is known for his extensive experience in spaceflight, including long-duration missions that contributed to scientific research and technological advancements in space exploration.

## Biography
- Born: March 14, 1967
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston–Clear Lake
  - Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  - Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Known for: Conducting extensive research on human physiology in space and advancing spaceflight technology
- Employer(s):
  - NASA
  - U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- Field(s): Aerospace engineering, spaceflight, human spaceflight research

## Contributions
- **Spaceflight Missions**: Served as a crew member on multiple NASA missions, including Expedition 9 to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2004, where he conducted scientific experiments and maintained the station's systems.
- **Long-Duration Spaceflight**: Spent over 382 days in space across two missions, contributing to research on human adaptation to long-term space environments.
- **Astronaut Training**: Completed rigorous training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, preparing for advanced flight operations and spaceflight readiness.
- **Scientific Research**: Conducted experiments on human physiology, including bone and muscle loss in microgravity, which informed countermeasures for future space missions.
- **Public Engagement**: Shared his spaceflight experiences through public speaking and media appearances, inspiring interest in space exploration.

## FAQs
**What is Michael Fincke known for?**
Michael Fincke is known for his extensive experience as an astronaut, including long-duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and contributions to human spaceflight research.

**Where did Michael Fincke study?**
Michael Fincke earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, followed by a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

**What missions has Michael Fincke participated in?**
Michael Fincke served as a crew member on multiple NASA missions, including Expedition 9 to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2004.

**How long did Michael Fincke spend in space?**
Michael Fincke spent over 382 days in space across two missions, conducting scientific research and maintaining the ISS.

**What training did Michael Fincke undergo?**
Michael Fincke completed training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, preparing for advanced flight operations and spaceflight readiness.

## Why They Matter
Michael Fincke's contributions to space exploration have advanced our understanding of human physiology in microgravity and improved spaceflight technology. His long-duration missions have provided critical data on the effects of prolonged space travel, which is essential for future deep-space exploration. Fincke's work has also inspired public interest in spaceflight and contributed to the broader field of aerospace engineering.

## Notable For
- **Long-Duration Spaceflight**: Spent over 382 days in space across two missions, setting a record for cumulative time in space among U.S. astronauts.
- **Awards**: Received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" for his contributions to spaceflight.
- **Scientific Research**: Conducted groundbreaking experiments on human adaptation to space environments, informing future space missions.
- **Public Engagement**: Shared his spaceflight experiences through public speaking and media, inspiring interest in space exploration.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Michael Fincke was born on March 14, 1967. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston–Clear Lake in 1989. He later pursued advanced degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, completing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1993 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering in 1996.

### Career and Training
Michael Fincke began his career in aerospace engineering and completed rigorous training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, preparing for advanced flight operations. He joined NASA and was selected as an astronaut in 1996, becoming part of NASA Astronaut Group 16.

### Spaceflight Missions
Michael Fincke served as a crew member on multiple NASA missions, including Expedition 9 to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2004. During this mission, he conducted scientific experiments and maintained the station's systems. He also participated in a second mission, spending over 382 days in space across two missions.

### Scientific Contributions
Michael Fincke's research focused on human physiology in space, including studies on bone and muscle loss in microgravity. His work provided critical data that informed countermeasures for future space missions and advanced our understanding of human adaptation to long-term space environments.

### Awards and Recognition
Michael Fincke received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" for his contributions to spaceflight. He also earned the Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service in the U.S. Air Force.

### Public Engagement
Michael Fincke shared his spaceflight experiences through public speaking and media appearances, inspiring interest in space exploration. His work has contributed to the broader field of aerospace engineering and has influenced future generations of astronauts and scientists.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/fincke.html)
2. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/mission/expedition-74/)
3. [Source](https://www.spacefacts.de/iss/english/exp_74.htm)
4. [Source](https://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/staff/register/)
5. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/crew/exp9/index.html)
8. [Source](https://www.spacex.com/launches/crew11)