As Boeing’s first commercial test pilot astronaut, Christopher Ferguson will be among the first to fly to space aboard the CST-100 Starliner. He has led the development of the spacecraft’s mission systems and crew interfaces.

Since 2011 he has worked with NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Directorate; Johnson Space Center’s Engineering, Flight Crew, and Mission Operations organizations; and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at Kennedy Space Center to ensure that Boeing’s design supports NASA’s human rating requirements. He was also a leader in the development and testing of system concepts and technologies for the spacecraft’s launch and ground systems.

A retired US Navy captain and former NASA astronaut, he piloted STS-115 (Atlantis) and commanded STS-126 (Endeavour) and the final shuttle mission, STS-135 (Atlantis), logging more than 40 days in space and 5,700 hours in high-performance aircraft. Capt. Ferguson also served as deputy chief of the NASA Astronaut Office and as spacecraft communicator for the STS-118, STS-120, STS-128, and STS-129 missions. 

His service has been recognized with the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Strike/Flight Air Medal, NASA Spaceflight Medal (three), Navy Commendation Medal (three), and Navy Achievement Medal.

Capt. Ferguson holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Drexel University and an MS in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.