Michael A. Baker

Mike Baker commanded STS-81, the fifth mission to dock with the Russian Space Station Mir. This was the second mission to Mir that involved the transfer of American astronauts. Aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Baker's flight brought Jerry Linenger to the station and returned with John Blaha.

Also, Baker served as Director of Operations in Star City, Russia, where he was responsible for the coordination and implementation of Phase 1 mission operation activities between Russia and NASA. Baker became an astronaut in 1986. Prior to his NASA career, Baker earned his Wings of Gold at the Naval Air Station Chase Field and attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School. Baker has logged over 5,400 hours flying time in approximately 50 different types of airplanes. He has over 300 aircraft carrier landings to his credit. Baker received a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas.

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NASA Biography: Michael Baker

Michael Baker Video (12 sec.) MPEG 871K (No Audio)

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