Innovation in Space: Astronaut Barry E. Wilmore Cheers on Tennessee Volunteers Baseball Team

Tennessee Astronaut Barry E. Wilmore Cheers for Volunteers Baseball Team from Space

Thousands of Tennessee baseball alumni showed their support for the Volunteers team in the College World Series, with one exception - astronaut Barry E. Wilmore was 250 miles above Omaha. Wilmore, a graduate of the University of Tennessee Space Institute, was rooting for the No. 1 Tennessee team to defeat No. 3 Texas A&M from the International Space Station.

UT Chancellor Shares Photo of Wilmore in Space

UT Chancellor Donde Plowman shared a photo of Wilmore on the International Space Station wearing a University of Tennessee College of Engineering shirt, expressing his support for the Volunteers team in Omaha. Wilmore, who holds degrees in electrical engineering from Tennessee Tech University, has been actively cheering for the team while in space.

Boeing and NASA are currently adjusting the return plans for astronauts Williams and Wilmore from the ISS on the Starliner spacecraft. Initially scheduled to return after a week at the ISS, the astronauts are now expected to stay until early July due to scheduled spacewalks and ongoing spacecraft assessments. The exact return date has not been announced yet, with possibilities of returning by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Since landing at the space station, Wilmore has participated in a video chat with the University of Tennessee, showcasing his support for his alma mater and the Volunteers baseball team. The NASA crewed mission on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, led by Wilmore and astronaut Suni Williams, faced delays but successfully launched on June 5. This remarkable gesture of support from space has garnered attention and appreciation from the University of Tennessee community and beyond.

In conclusion, the presence of astronaut Barry E. Wilmore, a proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee, cheering for the Volunteers baseball team from the International Space Station has created a unique and inspiring connection between the university, space exploration, and sports. This extraordinary display of school spirit and support transcends geographical boundaries and showcases the passion and dedication of Volunteers fans, both on Earth and in space.