University of California Astronaut Alumni – 30 NASA & Commercial Space Travelers
The University of California (UC) system has produced a remarkable cadre of space explorers: 30 United States astronauts have graduated from its campuses, with an additional alumnus having flown as a private‑sector astronaut, bringing the total to 31 spacefarers educated at UC institutions.
UC System’s Astronaut Legacy
Ten alumni each hail from UC Berkeley and UCLA, four from UC San Diego, three from UC Santa Barbara, two from UC Davis, and one each from UC Irvine and UC Santa Cruz. These graduates have participated in every major U.S. Crewed program – one in the Apollo era, three on Russian Soyuz missions, and twenty on the Space Shuttle program.
Pioneering Alumni
The first UC graduate to venture into space was Walt Cunningham of UCLA, selected in 1963 and serving as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 7, the inaugural Apollo flight. The most recent addition is Deniz Burnham, a 2021 graduate of UC San Diego, who was chosen for the astronaut corps in the latest selection round.
Campus Contributions
UC Berkeley’s alumni include ten NASA astronauts and one commercial astronaut, featuring scientists like Don L. Lind, a CAPCOM for Apollo 11 and 12, and Charles Simonyi, who flew aboard two Soyuz spacecraft as a space tourist. UCLA’s distinguished list of ten astronauts encompasses Story Musgrave, the only astronaut to fly on every Space Shuttle, Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and recent crew members such as K. Megan McArthur and Jessica Watkins, both participants in SpaceX missions.
UC San Diego stands out as the only UC campus whose astronaut alumni are all women, while UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Cruz each contribute a handful of notable spacefarers.
Impact on Space Exploration
The UC system’s status as California’s flagship land‑grant public university, founded with Berkeley in 1868, has fostered a pipeline of talent that fuels both government and private space initiatives. Its graduates have not only piloted missions but also advanced scientific research aboard orbiting laboratories, underscoring the university’s role in shaping America’s presence beyond Earth.
Looking ahead, the UC network could continue supplying skilled professionals to emerging programmes such as the Artemis lunar initiative and commercial ventures, potentially expanding its influence in the next era of exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many University of California alumni have become astronauts?
As of 2026, 30 United States astronauts have graduated from the UC system, and a total of 31 individuals educated at UC campuses have flown to space, including one private astronaut.
Which UC campus produced the first astronaut?
The first UC alumnus to fly as an astronaut was Walt Cunningham, who graduated from UCLA and served as the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 7.
Who is the most recent UC graduate selected as an astronaut?
The latest UC alumnus chosen for the astronaut corps is Deniz Burnham, a 2021 graduate of UC San Diego.
What future milestones might UC‑trained astronauts achieve as space exploration evolves?