Joseph M. Acaba

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) • Chief Astronaut

Joseph M. Acaba was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2004 and has logged a total of 306 days in space across three missions. He flew on STS-119 in 2009, delivering the final solar array wings and truss element to the International Space Station, conducting two spacewalks. In 2012, he served as Flight Engineer on Expeditions 31/32 aboard the Soyuz spacecraft, supporting the first commercial resupply mission by SpaceX’s Dragon. Most recently, he flew on Expeditions 53/54, contributing to record-setting research aboard the station.

Born in 1967 in Inglewood, California, Acaba holds a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of California – Santa Barbara, an M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Education from Texas Tech University. Before joining NASA, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, worked as a hydrogeologist, taught science in schools, and served in the U.S. Peace Corps.

Acaba is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Association of Space Explorers.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2025

29 September - 3 October 2025

Sydney, Australia

Participation: