Syracuse's NASA Pioneer Jeanette Epps Retires After Stellar Career

Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA - On June 5, 2025, we bid farewell to a remarkable figure in space exploration, NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps, who has officially retired after nearly 16 years of dedicated service. Hailing from Syracuse and a proud graduate of Le Moyne College, Epps has made significant contributions to the field of human space exploration, including serving as a mission specialist during NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission.

Throughout her illustrious career, Epps has spent a total of 235 days in space, with 232 of those aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Her tenure at NASA began when she was selected as an astronaut in 2009, and she quickly proved herself as a leader, serving as a lead capsule communicator in Mission Control and supporting two space station expeditions. Steve Koerner, the acting director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, praised Epps for her tenacity, calling her a pioneer in her field.

Celebrating Achievements

Known not only for her bravery but also for her resilience, Epps has inspired many during her journey. NASA’s chief astronaut, Joe Acaba, highlighted her determination and contributions throughout her career, marking her influence not only in space but on the next generation of explorers. In recognition of her achievements, April 8, 2025, was proclaimed Jeanette Epps Recognition Day in Onondaga County, a fitting tribute to a legend in the making.

Joining the Crew-8 mission on March 3, 2024, Epps was part of a team that included fellow NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, pilot Michael Barratt, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Grebenkin. As reported by terapiayrehabilitacionfisica.com, this mission emphasized the importance of International collaboration in space endeavors, supporting vital research that benefits life on Earth and paving the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond.

Inspiring Future Generations

Jeanette Epps isn’t planning on disappearing from the spotlight. She will play a key role in the Intrepid Museum’s upcoming Kids Week, an event devoted to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities aimed at encouraging children’s interest in these crucial fields. By sharing her journey from being an aerospace engineer to an astronaut, Epps hopes to spark curiosity and inspire children from all backgrounds to dream big and aim high.

Born on November 3, 1970, in Syracuse, New York, Epps holds a bachelor’s degree in physics alongside master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland. Notably, she was the second woman and the first Black woman to participate in the ESA’s CAVES training program in 2019. Her work in the ISS Operations Branch and her innovative ideas, which garnered her an award in 2013, show her commitment to enhancing astronaut collaboration aboard the ISS. With Epps’ retirement, the community loses a trailblazer, but her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire aspiring scientists and explorers everywhere.

As we reflect on her storied career and contributions to a field still in its infancy, one can’t help but wonder: what young minds will take inspiration from Jeanette Epps and follow in her extraordinary footsteps? Whatever their paths may be, there’s something to be said for the impact she has had on future generations of space explorers and innovators alike.

For more about her journey and accomplishments, you can read more about her retirement on Spectrum Local News, her role in the Crew-8 mission on Terapiayrehabilitacionfisica, and how she’s inspiring the next generation at the Intrepid Museum.