Photo: 不明 / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
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
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- air force officer / astronaut / planetary geologist / test pilot / military aviator
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Private
- University
- El Camino College
Awards & achievements
- Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"
- 2009 NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Commendation Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
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.
Astronaut — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.