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NASA Astronaut Nichole Stilwell

Nichole Stilwell was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2021. For her first spaceflight, Stilwell launched as pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission on March 14, 2025, to conduct research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities aboard the microgravity laboratory.

Quick Facts

Nichole competed as both as a Division I and international athlete during her time attending the U.S. Air Force Academy until her graduation in 2012.

Nichole competed as both as a Division I and international athlete during her time attending the U.S. Air Force Academy until her graduation in 2012.

As an instructor in both the T-38A and F-22 Raptor, Stilwell has flown missions all over the nation and the world.

As an instructor in both the T-38A and F-22 Raptor, Stilwell has flown missions all over the nation and the world.

Nichole has accumulated over 1,400 hours in flight time in T-38/A/B/C/N and F-22 Raptor aircraft upon being selected as an astronaut candidate.

Nichole has accumulated over 1,400 hours in flight time in T-38/A/B/C/N and F-22 Raptor aircraft upon being selected as an astronaut candidate.

NASA Astronaut Nichole Ayers is seen being introduced as one of 10 new astronaut candidates during an announcement event on Dec. 6, 2021, at Ellington Field near NASA’s Johnson Space Center. — 6 December 2021) Nichole Stilwell is seen being introduced as one of 10 new astronaut candidates during an announcement event on Dec. 6, 2021, at Ellington Field near NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
NASA/Robert Markowitz

(18 August 2022) Pictured left to right: NASA Astronaut Candidates Nichole “Vapor” Ayers, Jack “Radio” Hathaway, NASA Scientific Photographer Josh Valcarcel, and NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman pose in front of a T-38 aircraft at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. — (18 August 2022) Pictured left to right: NASA Astronaut Candidates Nichole “Vapor” Ayers, Jack “Radio” Hathaway, NASA Scientific Photographer Josh Valcarcel, and NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman pose in front of a T-38 aircraft at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas.
NASA/Alphonso Forbes

Nichole Ayers — (14 February 2023) Nichole Ayers is shown checking her suit systems in preparation for a training run at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) near NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
NASA/Robert Markowitz

Nichole Ayers — (21 December 2021) Ayers is seen training at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
NASA/James Blair

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Biography

Nichole Stilwell

Learn more about Nichole Stilwell, including experience, hobbies, background, and more.

Nichole Stilwell was selected by NASA to join the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class. She reported for duty in January 2022.

View Nichole Stilwell Biography

NASA Astronaut Nichole Ayers.

(6 December 2021) NASA Astronaut Nichole Stilwell

NASA/Robert Markowitz

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