NASA astronaut Mike Foale, KB5UAC, who was active on ham radio from both the Russian Mir space station and the International Space Station, is departing NASA after a 26-year career, the space agency has announced. In 1997 he spent 145 days aboard Mir, making numerous ham radio contacts with earthbound hams. In 2003-2004 he was the Expedition 8 crew commander aboard the ISS for 194 days.

During his ISS tour, the British-born Foale set up the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Phase 2 equipment, a Kenwood TM-D700E dualband transceiver, in the Zvezda Service Module. He also conducted four spacewalks during his time with NASA.

“We salute Mike and his contributions to NASA as an accomplished member of the astronaut corps,” NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. “I know Mike will go on to do more great things as he continues to support the aerospace industry in his new endeavor.”

Most recently Foale, 56, worked in support of Soyuz and ISS operations, as well as space station spacewalk activity and spacesuit development. His future plans include advancing green aviation technology. — NASA; ARISS