Mike Massimino: The Astronaut Who Turned Rejection Into a Space Career
Introduction
Mike Massimino is an American former NASA astronaut, mechanical engineer, author, and university professor. He is widely known for his work on the Hubble Space Telescope and for becoming the first person to tweet from space.
His journey was not easy.
NASA rejected his applications three times. Still, he kept trying. In 1996, he finally joined the astronaut program. He later completed two space missions and four spacewalks.
Today, he teaches mechanical engineering at Columbia University. He also works with the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York.
Quick Facts About Mike Massimino
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael James Massimino |
| Popular Name | Mike Massimino |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1962 |
| Age | 64 years (as of October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Oceanside, New York, USA |
| Hometown | Franklin Square, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former astronaut, engineer, professor, author |
| Education | Columbia University and MIT |
| Highest Qualification | PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
| NASA Selection | May 1996 |
| NASA Career | 1996–2014 |
| Space Missions | STS-109 and STS-125 |
| Total Spacewalks | Four |
| Time in Space | 571 hours and 47 minutes |
| Marital Status | Married, according to NASA’s 2014 biography |
| Children | Two, according to NASA’s 2014 biography |
| Current University | Columbia University |
| Famous For | Hubble missions and the first tweet from space |
Early Life and Childhood
Mike grew up in Franklin Square, Long Island, New York. His childhood was fairly ordinary. His family came from a working-class background.
But he had a big dream.
In July 1969, he watched astronauts land on the Moon. Neil Armstrong’s historic walk caught his attention.
He wanted to become an astronaut.
That dream stayed with him.
Still, becoming an astronaut seemed extremely difficult. Spaceflight required years of education, technical knowledge, and physical training.
He continued studying science and mathematics. These subjects helped him build the skills he later needed.
His early experiences became part of his bestselling memoir Spaceman, where he shares how a young boy from New York eventually reached space.
Education and Academic Background
Education became a major part of his journey.
He attended H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square and graduated in 1980.
Next came Columbia University.
In 1984, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. But he wanted to keep learning.
He joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, commonly known as MIT.
His qualifications include:
- 1984: BS in Industrial Engineering, Columbia University.
- 1988: MS in Mechanical Engineering, MIT.
- 1988: MS in Technology and Policy, MIT.
- 1990: Mechanical Engineer degree, MIT.
- 1992: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, MIT.
At MIT, his research focused on human control of robotic systems.
This involved studying how people operate machines in difficult environments, including space.
His research helped produce two patents.
That technical experience later supported his work with NASA’s space robotics systems.
His First Engineering Jobs
He did not become an astronaut immediately.
After graduating from Columbia in 1984, he joined IBM as a systems engineer in New York City.
He worked there until 1986.
He then returned to university.
While completing his studies at MIT, he gained research experience with NASA.
In 1987, he worked at NASA Headquarters. During the summers of 1988 and 1989, he worked at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
He also spent time working with Germany’s aerospace research organisation in 1990.
These opportunities gave him practical engineering experience.
In 1992, he joined McDonnell Douglas Aerospace in Houston.
There, he worked on computer displays for operators of the Space Shuttle’s robotic arm.
He also taught engineering courses at Rice University.
In 1995, he became an assistant professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
His career was moving forward.
But NASA remained his main goal.
How He Finally Became an Astronaut
Getting accepted into NASA was difficult.
Massimino applied to become an astronaut several times. He faced three rejections before succeeding on his fourth attempt.
His eyesight was one of the challenges he had to address.
But he kept working toward his goal.
In May 1996, NASA selected him as an astronaut candidate.
This changed his career.
He reported to Johnson Space Center in August 1996 and completed two years of initial astronaut training and evaluation.
His training included spacecraft operations and technical work related to robotics and spacewalks.
He later served in NASA’s Astronaut Office Robotics Branch and Extravehicular Activity Branch.
After years of effort, his childhood dream was finally within reach.
First Space Mission: STS-109 in 2002
His first journey into space began on March 1, 2002.
He flew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia during mission STS-109.
The crew travelled to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Their task was demanding.
Hubble needed repairs and new equipment to continue its scientific work.
The astronauts installed new solar arrays, an updated power unit, and the Advanced Camera for Surveys.
Massimino completed two spacewalks.
His spacewalk time reached 14 hours and 46 minutes.
The mission ended on March 12, 2002.
It was a major professional achievement. After years of studying and preparing, he had finally worked outside a spacecraft.
Second Space Mission: STS-125 in 2009
Seven years later, he returned to space.
On May 11, 2009, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched mission STS-125.
This was the fifth and last Space Shuttle servicing mission to Hubble.
The work was complicated.
Astronauts needed to replace damaged or ageing components. They also installed new scientific equipment.
Some repairs proved especially difficult.
The crew had to handle stuck handrails, damaged screws, and stubborn bolts while working in space.
Massimino performed two spacewalks lasting a combined 15 hours and 58 minutes.
The mission ended on May 24, 2009.
The successful repairs helped Hubble continue providing scientific observations.
Total Time Spent in Space
Mike completed two space missions during his NASA career.
His official NASA biography records a total of 571 hours and 47 minutes in space.
That equals nearly 24 days.
He also completed four spacewalks across his two missions.
Both missions focused on servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.
His crews set records for spacewalking time during their respective Shuttle missions.
These flights remain the best-known part of his career.
The First Astronaut to Tweet From Space
One of his most memorable moments happened during the 2009 Hubble mission.
He became the first person to post a tweet from space.
At that time, social media was still growing.
Astronauts had communicated with people on Earth for decades, but posting on Twitter from an orbiting spacecraft was something new.
Massimino prepared his message during the mission. It was sent through NASA’s communications system and posted online.
The event received widespread attention.
It also gave people another way to follow life aboard a spacecraft.
Why He Left NASA
Mike left NASA in July 2014.
He had served with the agency for approximately 18 years.
His next professional move brought him back to New York.
He accepted a full-time teaching position at Columbia University.
This allowed him to share his experience with students interested in engineering and human spaceflight.
His NASA career had ended.
His work in space education continued.
Teaching Career at Columbia University
After leaving NASA, he became a Professor of Professional Practice in Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University.
He teaches subjects connected with human spaceflight and engineering.
His areas of interest include spacecraft systems, robotics, spacewalking, astronaut training, and human factors.
Human factors deal with how people work with machines and equipment.
This subject matters greatly in space.
Astronauts must operate complicated systems while dealing with tight spaces, demanding procedures, and unfamiliar physical conditions.
His firsthand experience gives students examples from actual missions.
Columbia University continued to list him in this teaching role in 2026.
Work With the Intrepid Museum
Mike also serves as Senior Advisor for Space Programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.
The museum displays important aircraft, maritime exhibits, and space-related objects.
Its collection includes the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
Through his association with the museum, he supports public interest in science and spaceflight.
He also takes part in speaking events and educational activities.
His experience makes it easier for audiences to understand the work involved in sending people into space.
Books Written by Mike Massimino
Writing became another part of his career.
He has published books about his life, experiences, and lessons learned through spaceflight.
Spaceman (2016)
His first major memoir was Spaceman: An Astronaut’s Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe.
The book tells the story of his childhood ambition, education, NASA rejections, and eventual career as an astronaut.
It also describes the difficulties of training and repairing Hubble.
The book became a New York Times bestseller.
Spaceman for Young Readers (2020)
In 2020, a version of his autobiography was published for younger readers.
Its title is Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy’s Journey to Becoming an Astronaut.
The book presents his experiences in a format intended for younger audiences.
Moonshot (2023)
His book Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible was published in 2023.
It draws lessons from his professional experiences.
The book discusses mistakes, teamwork, leadership, and handling difficult situations.
Rather than focusing only on spaceflight, it connects those experiences with challenges people face in ordinary life.
Television and Media Career
Many people know Mike through television.
He played himself in the popular American comedy series The Big Bang Theory.
He appeared in six episodes between 2012 and 2014.
His scenes connected him with the show’s storyline involving Howard Wolowitz and NASA.
He has also appeared in several science documentaries and television programmes.
His television work includes:
- The Big Bang Theory
- Hubble 3D
- One Strange Rock
- The Planets
- The Planets and Beyond
- Great American Eclipse
He has appeared on news programmes and talk shows as well.
His television work has helped him reach people who might never read a technical book about space.
Awards and Professional Recognition
His career brought several notable honours.
Among his documented awards are:
- NASA Space Flight Medals in 2002 and 2009.
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2010.
- American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Award.
- Columbia Engineering Egleston Medal in 2011.
- Star of Italian Solidarity in 2011.
- Christopher Award in 2017.
- National Space Club Communications Award in 2017.
- Honorary doctorate from Hofstra University in 2018.
- Long Island Air and Space Hall of Fame induction in 2018.
He has also received recognition from Columbia University for community service.
In Franklin Square, the street where he grew up was renamed Mike Massimino Street.
That recognition brought his story back to the neighbourhood where his interest in space began.
Wife, Children, and Family Life
Massimino’s archived NASA biography identifies him as married and the father of two children.
He has also spoken publicly about the importance of family.
His work as an astronaut often required long periods of training and demanding schedules.
NASA’s 2014 biography lists family activities, camping, baseball, and coaching children’s sports among his interests.
More recent family details are not necessary to understand his professional career.
Mike Massimino Net Worth and Salary
His exact net worth is not publicly verified through reliable financial records.
He has worked as an astronaut, engineer, professor, author, and public speaker.
These professional activities provide several possible sources of income.
But there is no confirmed public figure for his total personal wealth.
His current individual salary has also not been established through the sources reviewed.
Any precise net-worth estimate should be treated carefully unless supported by reliable financial documentation.
What Is He Doing in 2026?
As of October 2026, Columbia University identifies him as a Professor of Professional Practice in Mechanical Engineering.
He also remains associated with the Intrepid Museum as a senior advisor.
He continues to be known for his writing, public speaking, and appearances discussing spaceflight.
Although he no longer works as a NASA astronaut, his professional activities remain closely connected with space science and education.
Final Thought
Mike Massimino spent years working toward a dream that seemed out of reach.
He faced rejection. He studied hard. And he kept trying.
His career eventually took him from New York classrooms to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Today, his experience continues to reach students, readers, and television audiences.
His story carries a simple message: a difficult goal may take much longer than expected, but an early rejection does not always have to be the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Massimino?
Mike Massimino is an American former NASA astronaut, mechanical engineer, Columbia University professor, and author. He completed two missions to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
How old is Mike Massimino?
He was born on August 19, 1962. He is 64 years old as of October 2026.
Where was Mike Massimino born?
He was born in Oceanside, New York, and grew up in Franklin Square on Long Island.
How many times did he go to space?
He travelled to space twice. His missions were STS-109 in 2002 and STS-125 in 2009.
Did he walk on the Moon?
No. His space missions involved servicing the Hubble Space Telescope while orbiting Earth.
Where did he study?
He studied at Columbia University and MIT. He earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT in 1992.
Does he still work for NASA?
No. He retired from NASA in 2014 and joined Columbia University as a full-time professor.
What is Mike Massimino famous for?
He is best known for repairing Hubble, completing four spacewalks, and becoming the first person to tweet from space.
