Terry W. Virts. Terry W. Virts (born December 1, 1967) is a retired NASA astronaut, International Space Station Commander and colonel in the United States Air Force.

Background and education 
Virts was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but considers Columbia, Maryland, to be his hometown. He graduated from Oakland Mills High School in 1985.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (with a French minor) from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 and a Master of Science degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1997. While at the Air Force Academy, Virts attended the École de l'Air in 1988 on an exchange program.

Military career 
Virts was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 and earned his pilot wings at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. He completed basic fighter lead-in training at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico followed by formal training in the F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 56th Tactical Fighter Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

He was then assigned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. After Hurricane Andrew struck southern Florida in 1992, his squadron was moved to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. He was later assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, and the 22nd Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Virts was selected for test pilot school in 1997 at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Following graduation, he was an experimental test pilot at the F-16 Combined Test Force. He has logged more than 5,300 flight hours in 40 different aircraft.

NASA career 

Terry Virts' NASA career spanned several pivotal roles and space missions. In the year 2000, Virts achieved a significant milestone, when he was selected as a Space Shuttle pilot by NASA. His career was marked by a series of important technical assignments and mission roles.

One of his notable assignments was serving as the lead astronaut for the NASA T-38 program, where he contributed to the training and preparation of fellow astronauts. Virts also played a crucial role as a member of the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL) test crew, participating in critical systems testing and integration efforts.

In 2004, Virts supported Expedition 9 as a crew support astronaut, providing valuable assistance to the mission's crew members. Additionally, he took on the role of a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM), acting as a vital link between ground control and astronauts in space.

Virts' contributions extended to the Space Launch System (SLS) program, where he served as the lead astronaut, playing an instrumental role in the development and advancement of this vital component of NASA's future missions.

On February 8, 2010, Terry Virts embarked on his maiden spaceflight as the pilot of STS-130 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. This historic mission marked the final assembly flight of the International Space Station and delivered the Tranquility module as well as the Cupola. The mission concluded with a safe landing on February 22, 2010.

Following this achievement, Virts embarked on another journey. On November 23, 2014, he launched aboard Soyuz TMA-15M alongside fellow astronauts Samantha Cristoforetti and Anton Shkaplerov  from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Their successful docking at the International Space Station approximately six hours later underscored Virts' adaptability and expertise in different spacecraft.

In a unique moment during his time in space, on February 28, 2015, Virts paid tribute to the late Star Trek  actor Leonard Nimoy, who portrayed Spock. He tweeted an image of himself from the International Space Station, striking the Vulcan salute—a gesture associated with Spock—as the ISS flew over Boston, MA, Nimoy's birthplace.

With the impending departure of Soyuz TMA-14M in March 2015, Terry Virts assumed the role of the commander of the International Space Station, leading Expedition 43. This leadership position showcased his competence and ability to manage complex operations in the challenging environment of space.

The Soyuz TMA-15M mission, commanded by Virts, concluded with a successful landing on June 11, 2015, in Kazakhstan, further adding to his list of space achievements.

In August 2016, after a long career filled with contributions and space missions, Terry Virts retired from NASA.

Post-NASA career 

Following his career at NASA, Terry Virts entered the fields of public speaking, podcast appearances, including creating a podcast: "Down To Earth", business consultancy, literature, film-making, and screenwriting.

In 2019, he was part of a crew of eight aviation explorers who achieved the fastest circumnavigation of Earth via both geographic poles by airplane. This was accomplished on July 11, 2019, in a time of 46 hours, 40 minutes, and 22 seconds. The accomplishment earned recognition from Guinness World Records and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), solidifying Virts' legacy in the annals of aviation history.

Furthermore, Terry Virts made an appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience." on December 11, 2020, where he engaged in a wide-ranging conversation, sharing his insights and experiences with a global audience through the podcast.

Awards and honors 
Terry Virts' achievements and awards encompass a career in both the military and space exploration. He earned his academic credentials with distinction from institutions including the United States Air Force Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Moreover, his military training was marked by excellence, as he graduated as a distinguished student from Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, in Arizona and successfully completed F-16 training at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Throughout his military service, Terry Virts received several decorations and medals in recognition of his contributions and service. These include:

 Meritorious Service Medal: Awarded for exceptional meritorious service, highlighting Virts' dedication and commitment during his military career.
 Air Medal: Recognizing his courageous actions and exceptional achievements in aerial combat or significant flight operations.
 Aerial Achievement Medal: Commending his exceptional accomplishments in aerial flight missions, displaying his remarkable skills and expertise.
 Air Force Commendation Medal: Acknowledging his commendable performance and meritorious service in the United States Air Force.

Terry Virts was a member of Expedition 42 aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The European Space Agency commissioned Lego mini-figures to honor the crew members of Expedition 42, including Terry Virts, Samantha Cristoforetti, and Anton Shkaplerov.

Publications 
 – A coffee table book from National Geographic; contains mostly photographs of Earth, with additional photos of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the International Space Station and related subjects; also contains stories about Virts' experiences as an astronaut.
 – A limited edition, luxury replication of the Apollo 11 Flight Plan.
 – An Insiders Guide To Leaving Planet Earth.

See also 
A Beautiful Planet – 2016 IMAX documentary film showing scenes of Earth which features Virts and other ISS astronauts.
One More Orbit Mission – A mission and documentary film. In 2019, Virts circumnavigated the planet in a Gulfstream G650 via the North and South Poles in honor of the Apollo 11 mission's 50th anniversary. The mission broke the world time and speed records, earning Guinness World and FAI records.

References

External links 
 Spacefacts biography of Terry W. Virts, Jr.
 

1967 births
American test pilots
Commanders of the International Space Station
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University alumni
Living people
Recipients of the Air Medal
Space Shuttle program astronauts
Spacewalkers
U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School alumni
United States Air Force Academy alumni
United States Air Force astronauts
United States Air Force officers