Event Details
Payload Blog

Meet Astronaut Mike Baker

Jul 09, 2022 - Jul 12, 2022 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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 
Astronaut Michael A. Baker poses for his oficial portait as a NASA astronaut.

Meet Astronaut Mike Baker

Missions

STS-43

STS-52

STS-68

STS-81