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NASA has announced the withdrawal of the test pilot and Astronaut Butch Wilmore after 25 successful service and flights aboard four different spacecraft.
Wilmore, a veteran pilot and graduated from the US Naval Testing Pilots School, has registered 464 days in space since its NASA selection in 2000.
The Captain of the US Navy.
He also completed five space walks for a total of 32 hours outside the International Space Station.
NASA Astronaut Butch Wilmore opens to worship God while he is in space: 'I need that communion'
In This Handout Image Provide by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), NASA ASTRONAUT BUTCH WILMORE IS HELPED OUT OF THE SPACEX DRAGON SPACECRFT ONBOARD THE SPACEX RECOVERY SHIP MEGAN AFTER HEL Gorbunov Landed on The Water On March 18, 2025 off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. Williams and Wilmore returned from a stay aboard the International Space Station that began in June 2024. (Keegan Barber/Nasa through Getty Images)
“Butch's commitment to NASA's mission and dedication to human space exploration is really exemplary,” said Steve Koerner, interim director of the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. “His lasting legacy of strength will continue to impact and inspire the Johnson workforce, future explorers and the Nation for generations. On behalf of the NASA Johnson Space Center, we thank Butch for their service.”
Wilmore has been recognized not only as technically talented, but also as an adaptable astronaut whose legacy covers decades of advancing in the human space flight in many missions.
It was one of the few astronauts that flew aboard the legacy and NASA commercial vehicles that helped validate critical systems for the long -term human spatial flight.
Astronaut Butch Wilmore said he assumes the partial responsibility of the problems that left him and Suni Williams stranded in space during a prolonged amount of time, while saying that NASA and Boeing are responsible. (POT)
NASA's astronaut arrives at the International Space Station aboard the Russian spacecraft
“Throughout his career, Butch has exemplified the technical excellence of what is required of an astronaut. His domain of complex systems, along with his adaptability and his firm commitment to NASA's mission, has inspired us all, “said Joe Acua, head of the Nasa Johnson's astronaut office.” As you advance in this new chapter, that same dedication will continue to show in whatever you decide to do next. “
Wilmore's most recent launch aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024 marked the first crew flight test mission. During the mission, they were able to eliminate an assembly of radiofrequency group antenna and collect samples for the analysis of the Destiny laboratory and the Quest air lock.
This photo provided by Spacex shows the Spacex crew sitting on the Dragon spacecraft on Friday, April 8, 2022 in Cape Canaveral, Florida (Spacex Via AP) (Spacex through AP)
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“From my early days, I have been captivated by the wonders of creation, looking up with an insatiable curiosity. This curiosity drove me to the heavens, and eventually space, where the magnificence of the cosmos reflected the glory of its creator in the words in a way can barely convey,” said Wilmore. “Even when I ventured beyond the limits of the earth, I remained in tune with the beauty and meaning of the world below, recognizing the same evident intricate design among the stars is also interwoven in the fabric of life at home.”
Wilmore retirement points out the end of the NASA pioneer era of multiplatform astronaut missions and early validation of space flights.
