Michael ‘Bueno’ Good

“Michael Good’s journey as an astronaut is a tale of relentless ambition and joyful exploration. Good’s childhood fascination with aerospace, nurtured through visits to air museums, propelled him towards a career that transcended the Earth’s bounds. His journey from Ohio to orbit symbolizes the power of dreams and the fun that accompanies their pursuit.”

Michael “Bueno” Good’s story is a vivid illustration of how a childhood fascination with aerospace can evolve into a remarkable career that takes one from Earth to the vast expanse of space. Born on October 13, 1962, in Parma, Ohio, and raised in Broadview Heights, Good’s early visits to air museums ignited a passion for aerospace, setting him on a trajectory towards the stars.

Graduating from Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School in 1980, Good pursued aerospace engineering at the University of Notre Dame, where he also joined the ROTC. His commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon completing his master’s degree marked the beginning of a distinguished military career that would intertwine with his aspirations for space exploration. As a flight test engineer, F-111 instructor weapon system officer, and B-2 Stealth Bomber test pilot, Good honed his skills and knowledge, laying a solid foundation for his future in the astronaut corps.

In 2000, NASA recognized Good’s potential and selected him for the astronaut program. His extensive background in engineering and test piloting, coupled with a private pilot’s license and an interest in amateur radio, made him an ideal candidate for the challenging missions ahead. Before his first spaceflight, Good contributed to the Advanced Vehicles and Space Shuttle branches, preparing for the complex tasks that awaited him beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Good’s first mission aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2009 to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope was not only a technical challenge but also the realization of a childhood dream. His training and first spacewalks during this mission were intense and exhilarating experiences that he describes as the most fun he’s ever had. The mission’s success and his involvement in replacing Hubble’s gyroscopes and repairing the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph underscored his invaluable contributions to maintaining this critical observatory.

In 2010, Good embarked on his second spaceflight, also aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. As a replacement for astronaut Karen Nyberg, Good demonstrated his adaptability and readiness to take on unexpected challenges. His participation in two spacewalks during this mission to replace batteries and prepare for future spacewalks further showcased his skills and commitment. Beyond his spaceflights, Good’s contributions to NASA continued through his role as a liaison to the Air Force Space Command and his work with the Commercial Crew Program. His efforts in helping SpaceX and Boeing prepare to launch astronauts to the ISS reflect his dedication to advancing human space exploration and ensuring its safety.

Upon retiring from NASA in 2019, Good’s legacy within the space community remained impactful. Kathy Lueders, Commercial Crew Program manager, praised his vision and leadership, emphasizing the trajectory he set for future missions. Today, as the director of crew integration for Blue Origin, Good continues to influence the direction of human spaceflight, playing a vital role in the development of a human landing system for NASA’s Artemis V mission to the Moon. Michael Good’s journey from an Ohio kid inspired by air museums to an astronaut and leader in space exploration embodies the spirit of curiosity and determination. His story is a testament to the fact that with hard work, dedication, and a little fun along the way, the sky is not the limit but rather the beginning of a grand adventure.

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