Bill > HJR0487

This joint resolution welcomes Tennessee native Captain Barry "Butch" Wilmore back to Earth after completing a nearly 300-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The resolution highlights Wilmore's extended stay, which occurred after technical issues with Boeing's Starliner prevented his original planned return, leading NASA to keep him at the ISS to maintain staffing levels. A retired U.S. Navy captain who was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000, Wilmore ultimately returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, via a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, landing off the Florida coast after a seventeen-hour voyage. The resolution celebrates Wilmore's professional dedication, noting his impressive background, including over 8,000 flight hours, 663 carrier landings, and degrees from Tennessee Technological University and the University of Tennessee. By formally recognizing Wilmore's achievements, the Tennessee General Assembly commends his service, expresses gratitude for his commitment to space exploration, and wishes him well in future endeavors, while also providing for an official copy of the resolution to be prepared for presentation.

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HJR0487&ga=114