The Boeing Starliner had a successful launch on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and docked with the International Space Station (ISS) today. On board the shuttle were astronauts Sunita "Sunny" Williams and Barry "Butch" E. Wilmore. Williams hails from Needham, Massachusetts, while Wilmore has strong Tennessee roots, being born in Murfreesboro and raised in Wilson County.

NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams are assigned to fly Starliner and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to the International Space Station, according to NASA. The duo will remain docked at the orbiting laboratory for about two weeks to evaluate the new spacecraft and its systems before returning to Earth in the Western United States.

More on TN Native Butch Wilmore - NASA astronaut Barry "Butch" E. Wilmore is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, who has served as a test pilot and flight instructor. Wilmore joined the NASA Astronaut Corps in 2000, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his military career. Born in Murfreesboro, he grew up in Mount Juliet, Wilson County, where he was raised by his parents, Faye and Eugene Wilmore. He graduated from Mount Juliet High School and later married Deanna, who hails from Helenwood, Tennessee. The couple has two daughters.

Wilmore's distinguished Navy career includes over 8,000 flight hours and 663 carrier landings in tactical jet aircraft. He is an alumnus of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and participated in operations such as Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Southern Watch over Iraq, as well as missions over Bosnia. He first flew to the ISS as a NASA space shuttle pilot in 2009 and returned in 2014 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

Wilmore earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech). Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham praised Wilmore's character and accomplishments, highlighting his pride in the astronaut's achievements. Wilmore also excelled in collegiate sports, playing football for Tech's Golden Eagles and being inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. In 2018, he received the prestigious NCAA Teddy Roosevelt Award, recognizing his distinguished accomplishments and national reputation.

Continuing his education, Wilmore earned a Master of Science degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee. UT Knoxville recently featured him in an article celebrating his career and contributions to space exploration.

To date, Barry Wilmore has logged 178 days in space and completed four spacewalks. A proud Tennessee native and former college football player, Wilmore's journey from Murfreesboro to the ISS is remarkable and to date, he continues to inspire many with his commitment to excellence.