The Complete List of Astronauts From North Carolina

North Carolina’s coastal skies and Research Triangle institutions have long fed pilots, engineers and scientists into national flight programs. From university aeronautics labs to military training bases, the state has a clear throughline into America’s space effort.

There are 3 Astronauts from North Carolina, ranging from Charles Duke to Thomas Marshburn. For each, you’ll find below Birthplace / NC tie,NASA selection year,Missions — you’ll find below.

Who are the three astronauts from North Carolina?

They include well-known figures like Charles Duke and Thomas Marshburn; the complete list (and the third name) is shown in the table below with their birthplace or NC tie, NASA selection year and missions, so you can see each career at a glance.

How is a “North Carolina” connection defined here?

The list uses a simple, practical approach: birthplace or a significant NC tie (education, long-term residence, or formative service) noted in the “Birthplace / NC tie” column; the other columns (NASA selection year, Missions) give career context for each person.

Astronauts from North Carolina

Images and Descriptions

Charles Duke

Apollo lunar module pilot who walked on the Moon during Apollo 16; born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he became one of the youngest moonwalkers. After NASA he worked in business and public outreach, remaining a high-profile NC native and space advocate.

Susan Helms

USAF Colonel and NASA astronaut born in Charlotte, North Carolina; selected in 1990. Flew shuttle missions including STS-54 and served on ISS Expedition 2 after launching on STS-102, notable for long-duration station work and multiple spacewalks.

Thomas Marshburn

Physician and career NASA astronaut born in Statesville, North Carolina; selected in 2004. Flew STS-127, Soyuz for Expedition 34/35 and SpaceX Crew-3. Known for long-duration ISS work, multiple spacewalks, and outreach about science and medicine in space.