Astronaut Nicholas Patrick's post-NASA career

NASA astronaut Nicholas Patrick has left the space agency. His last day was May 31.

Patrick flew as a mission specialist on STS-116 in 2006 and STS-130 in 2010.

"Nick is an extremely talented individual," said Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, "his engineering skills and expertise were a valuable contribution to our team, not only during his flights but in his work with future exploration programs as well. I am sure that his future contributions will be just as valuable."

Above: NASA astronaut Nick Patrick, STS-130 mission specialist, poses for a photo while spacewalking outside the International Space Station.

Patrick is a veteran of three spacewalks. He played a vital role in installation of the Tranquility module and Cupola of the International Space Station. He ends his NASA career with more than 26 days of spaceflight experience.

Patrick holds a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees in Engineering from Cambridge University. Prior to his spaceflights, he led the team that designed the Orion spacecraft cockpit.