Astronaut Michael Foale Ends Journey With NASA After 26 Years

After having spent 375 days in space during six space missions, one of NASA's most experienced astronauts Michael Foale ends his journey with the space agency with plans to advance green aviation technology.

The British astronaut Foale retired ending a 26-year career with the agency that included six space missions and extended stays aboard two space stations. He has logged more than 374 days in space and has conducted four space walks totalling 22 hours and 4 minutes.

The dual U.K.-U.S. citizen Foale, was born in Louth, England, and joined the NASA Johnson Space Center in June 1993. He kick started his space missions with STS-45 in 1992 that was the first of the ATLAS series of missions to study the atmosphere and solar interactions.

The 65-year old Foale has held several positions during his career with NASA. He was the chief of the Astronaut Office Expedition Corps, assistant director (technical) of the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston, and deputy associate administrator for exploration operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

In his most recent assignment he served as the chief of the Soyuz Branch, Astronaut Office, supporting Soyuz and ISS operation and space suits development at JSC.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said in a press statement, "We salute Mike and his contributions to NASA as an accomplished member of the astronaut corps. Starting with his first flight, shuttle mission STS-45, when we flew together in 1992, Mike has worked tirelessly to support NASA's quest to explore the unknown. I know Mike will go on to do more great things as he continues to support the aerospace industry in his new endeavor."