Photo: 不明 / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Public records list Michael Fincke as an air force officer, astronaut and planetary geologist. Born on March 14, 1967, Michael Fincke is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. That works out to 59 years old in 2026. Education on record includes El Camino College. Awards on record include Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration", NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2009), Commendation Medal and 1 more.
My Take
What fascinates me about Michael Fincke is not just the staggering 549 days he logged in orbit, but the quiet improbability of an American Air Force colonel performing six of his nine spacewalks in a Russian Orlan suit. That detail captures an era when human curiosity outran political rivalry. An MIT-trained planetary geologist turned test pilot, he embodies the rare blend of academic depth and raw operational nerve. I admire that someone with this resume goes by 'AstroIronMike' online, hinting at humility behind the medals. He is, to me, a reminder that the frontier still rewards both brains and grit.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Michael Fincke
- Name (Japanese)
- マイケル・フィンク
- Reading
- まいける・ふぃんく
- Born
- March 14, 1967 (age 59)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Pisces / Goat
- Origin
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Occupation
- air force officer / astronaut / planetary geologist / test pilot / military aviator
2. Background
- University
- El Camino College
Awards & achievements
- Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"
- 2009 NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Commendation Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Michael Fincke born?
Born March 14, 1967 (age 59).
Where is Michael Fincke from?
Michael Fincke is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
What does Michael Fincke do?
Michael Fincke works as air force officer, astronaut, planetary geologist, test pilot, military aviator.
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