CU Alumnus Logs More than 200 Days in Space as NASA Astronaut

Jim Voss built a unique career in government service, first in the U.S. Army and currently as one of NASA's most experienced astronauts. He earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering at Auburn University in 1972, and then a master's degree in aerospace engineering at CU-Boulder in 1974.

After graduation, Voss served in the Army as an infantry officer in Germany. He taught in the Department of Mechanics at West Point, attended the Naval Test Pilot School and Armed Forces Staff College, and served as a flight test engineer conducting flight test programs for the Army. He then went to NASA's Johnson Space Center as an engineer supporting space shuttle launches.

In 1987, he became a NASA astronaut, and subsequently flew on five space shuttle flights, including a long-duration mission to the International Space Station. Voss has a total of 202 days in space and has conducted four space walks. The CU regents awarded Voss an Honorary Doctorate in 2000.

Voss shares his experience with CU-Boulder students regularly through a variety of seminars and special programs. Recently, he has been teaching a summer session course on Fundamentals of Human Space Flight. He also serves on the college’s Engineering Advisory Council.

Voss has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal, and the William P. Clements Jr. Award for Excellence in Education as the outstanding professor at the U.S. Military Academy.

He also enjoys flying an airplane that he built himself, playing racquetball, and woodworking.

Scott Donnelly GE Research JoAnn Joselyn Space Scientist Josh Stuart Gene Research Jim Voss NASA Astronaut Kristy Schloss Civil Engineer Vern Norviel Patent Attorney