by Mike Matzinger
Michael Edward Fossum (born 1957) is an American engineer, retired astronaut, and former commander of the International Space Station whose life story reflects the powerful influence of Scouting in shaping character, ambition, and achievement. Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and raised in McAllen, Texas, Fossum discovered his passion for exploration and service as a youth in the Boy Scouts of America. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout, he embraced the values of leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and community service—qualities that would become central to his career in aviation and spaceflight.
Fossum pursued his education with determination, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, followed by master’s degrees in systems engineering and physical science. His technical expertise and leadership potential led him into the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction as a flight test engineer, honing the problem-solving and operational skills that would serve him well in his future work at NASA.
In 1993, Fossum joined NASA as an engineer in the Space Shuttle Program, contributing to the development and testing of critical systems. Five years later, his persistence and passion were rewarded when he was selected for the astronaut corps. Over the course of his NASA career, he flew on three Space Shuttle missions and logged more than 194 days in space, including seven spacewalks totaling over 48 hours outside the spacecraft. His first spaceflight, STS-121 in 2006, played a pivotal role in testing safety upgrades to the shuttle and resupplying the International Space Station (ISS), demonstrating his skill and composure during high-stakes missions.
In 2011, Fossum reached the pinnacle of his astronaut career when he served as commander of Expedition 29 aboard the ISS. Leading an international crew, he oversaw critical research experiments and daily operations that advanced humanity’s understanding of living and working in space. His leadership on orbit reflected the very principles of collaboration, resilience, and service that had guided him since his Scouting days.
Fossum is the first and only Scoutmaster to conduct a Scoutmaster Conference while in space. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 1598 in Webster, Texas from 2006 – 2019.
Fossum retired from NASA in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, teamwork, and contributions to space exploration. He went on to serve in higher education, continuing to inspire and mentor future scientists, engineers, and explorers. A lifelong supporter of Scouting, he remains dedicated to encouraging young people to pursue bold dreams and to live by the values that shaped his own life. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA).
In 2024, Fossum delivered the keynote address at the Americanism Breakfast during the Scouting America National Annual Meeting (NAM). His speech reflected on the ways Scouting reaches beyond our world and continues to prepare future generations for extraordinary journeys. From a Boy Scout in Texas to a spacewalker commanding the International Space Station, Michael Fossum’s story stands as a remarkable testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the values of Scouting in launching dreams into orbit.
