Jack D. Fischer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jack Fischer
Fisher at the National Air and Space Museum in 2017
Born	Jack David Fischer (1974-01-23) January 23, 1974 (age 51) Louisville, Colorado, U.S.
Space career
NASA astronaut
Rank	Colonel, USAF
Time in space	135d 18h 8m
Selection	NASA Group 20 (2009)
Total EVAs	2
Total EVA time	6h 54m
Missions	Soyuz MS-04 (Expedition 51/52)
Mission insignia

Jack David Fischer, born on January 23, 1974, is an American engineer and a skilled test pilot. He used to be a NASA astronaut. He was chosen by NASA in June 2009 to join a special group of astronauts. By 2011, he was fully qualified to fly into space. His first trip to space was in April 2017. He worked as a flight engineer for Expedition 51 and Expedition 52 aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

About Jack Fischer

Jack Fischer was born in Louisville, Colorado. He is married to Elizabeth Simonson. They have two daughters. His mother, JoBelle Fischer, still lives near Louisville, Colorado.

Jack Fischer's Education

Jack Fischer finished high school in Lafayette, Colorado, in 1992. He then went to the U.S. Air Force Academy. In 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering. He continued his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1998, he received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Serving in the U.S. Air Force

Fischer during F-22 Flight Testing

Jack Fischer is a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He started his pilot training in Texas in 1998. After that, he trained to fly the F-15E Strike Eagle jet. He then became an active pilot in the 391st Fighter Squadron.

Fischer flew combat missions in Southwest Asia after September 11, 2001. He was part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch. These operations took place over Afghanistan and Iraq.

In 2004, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He received a special award called the Onizuka Prop Wash Award.

In 2006, Fischer returned to Edwards Air Force Base. He helped test the F-22 Raptor jet. In 2008, he worked in Washington, D.C., at The Pentagon. He advised important leaders, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Colonel Fischer is a highly experienced pilot. He has flown over 3,000 hours in more than 45 different types of aircraft.

Jack Fischer's NASA Career

NASA chose Jack Fischer to be an astronaut in June 2009. He completed his training and became a qualified astronaut in 2011.

Fischer worked in different parts of the Astronaut Office. He was a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) for Soyuz missions. He also worked on International Space Station operations and integration.

In 2013, Fischer took part in the ESA CAVES training in Sardinia. This training helps astronauts prepare for space by exploring caves. He trained with other astronauts from different countries.

Expedition 51 and 52: His Space Mission

Fischer (second left) with the rest of the Expedition 51 crew in the cupola

Jack Fischer was assigned to fly to the International Space Station. He launched aboard the Soyuz MS-04 spacecraft in April 2017. He served as a flight engineer for Expedition 51 and Expedition 52.

Fischer and Yurchikhin prior to launching on Soyuz MS-04

Fischer launched on April 20, 2017. His spacecraft docked with the ISS about six hours later. This was a faster trip than previous Soyuz missions.

On May 13, 2017, Fischer performed his first spacewalk. He worked with astronaut Peggy Whitson. The spacewalk was shorter than planned due to a small issue with his suit's cooling line. They replaced an important electronics box on the station's truss. This spacewalk lasted 4 hours and 13 minutes. It was the 200th spacewalk performed on the ISS.

Fischer during an EVA in 2017

On May 23, 2017, Fischer did his second spacewalk with Peggy Whitson. They replaced a backup computer unit that had stopped working. This spacewalk lasted 2 hours and 46 minutes.

Fischer returned to Earth on September 3, 2017. He landed with Peggy Whitson and Fyodor Yurchikhin aboard the Soyuz MS-04. He spent 135 days, 18 hours, and 8 minutes in space.

On May 24, 2018, he announced he was leaving NASA. He returned to serve in the Air Force.

After NASA: New Roles

After leaving NASA, Fischer became the Chief Technology Officer for Collins Aerospace in Houston. In February 2021, Fischer joined Intuitive Machines. He became the Vice President of Strategic Programs. During their IM-1 mission, Fischer served as one of the Mission Directors.

See also

In Spanish: Jack D. Fischer para niños