Embry‑Riddle Astronaut Shares His Love of Spaceflight With the World

Terry Virts ('97) wants people to know what the world looks like from 250 miles high.

Virts, a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot who went on to fly the Space Shuttle, command the International Space Station and complete three spacewalks, is using words, film and pictures to amaze the earthbound and inspire future space explorers in the same way he was inspired by a book about the Apollo program.

A veteran of 45 combat missions in the 1990s — including one where he helped his wingman glide to a safe landing after engine failure over hostile territory — Virts earned his Master of Science in Aeronautics degree at Embry‑Riddle, became a test pilot for the Air Force and set his sights on the stars.

An Astronaut Author

Virts, who retired from NASA in 2016, has written a book of 51 essays about spaceflight called How to Astronaut, a book he hoped would “make people laugh and say ‘wow’; a book that is accessible to everyone, not just space nerds.” He also had his photos from orbit published in a National Geographic book titled View from Above and helped shoot the popular IMAX film called A Beautiful Planet, which puts viewers into an astronaut’s space boots.

“I wanted to share the beauty of our planet and galaxy and stories from my missions with everyone,” Virts said of his creative pursuits, adding, “and also stories from my missions, to make a ‘spaceflight in a book.’”

By writing How to Astronaut, Virts said he aimed to put “spaceflight in a book” and create “something that will make people laugh and say ‘wow.’ It’s a book that is accessible to everyone, not just space nerds.”

Why Earn a Master’s Degree at Embry‑Riddle?

Virts said he chose Embry Riddle’s for his master’s degree because of the university’s excellent reputation in aeronautics, and he was able to complete his studies while he was on active duty and based in Germany.

A native of Maryland, Virts credits Embry‑Riddle with preparing him for test pilot school because he had been away from academic settings for some time between graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and starting his master’s program.

His educational experience helped him move up in the Air Force and paved the way for his selection as an astronaut. Chosen for the program in 2000, he flew millions of miles aboard the shuttle and the ISS and logged more than 19 hours walking in space.

On one trip, he brought along an Embry‑Riddle banner to show his Eagle pride on orbit. After Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played Spock on the original “Star Trek,” died in 2015, Virts honored him by giving the Vulcan salute (“Live Long and Prosper”) as the ISS passed over Boston, the actor’s hometown.

Sharing Spaceflight With Everyone

In 2019, Virts was among a group of pilots who made the fastest circumnavigation of Earth via both geographic poles in an aircraft, and he also directed his first film, entitled One More Orbit. Today, he continues his career as an author, director, public speaker and business consultant.

In 2023, Virts released a children’s book called The Astronaut’s Guide to Leaving the Planet, which he hopes will help inspire a new generation of explorers.

“[I] wanted to write something for kids, because reading a book about Apollo is what inspired me to become an astronaut.”

Get inspired to explore the extraordinary! Apply at Embry‑Riddle today.