Early Life and Education

James Buchli was born on June 20, 1945, in New Rockford, North Dakota. He attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Buchli went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1972.

Career as an Astronaut

After completing his education, Buchli joined the United States Marine Corps and became a pilot. He was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1978 and completed his training in 1980. Buchli flew four Space Shuttle missions during his career, including STS-51C, STS-61A, STS-29, and STS-48.

STS-51C

Buchli's first mission was STS-51C, which launched on January 24, 1985. The mission was classified and involved deploying a classified payload for the Department of Defense.

STS-61A

Buchli's second mission was STS-61A, which launched on October 30, 1985. The mission was the first to carry eight crew members and included conducting scientific experiments in Spacelab.

STS-29

Buchli's third mission was STS-29, which launched on March 13, 1989. The mission successfully deployed a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) and conducted various scientific experiments.

STS-48

Buchli's final mission was STS-48, which launched on September 12, 1991. The mission deployed the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) and conducted various experiments studying Earth's atmosphere.

Retirement and Net Worth

James Buchli retired from NASA in 1992 after a successful career as an astronaut. While his exact net worth is not publicly known, it is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million based on his earnings as an astronaut and subsequent investments.

Personal Life and Legacy

Outside of his career as an astronaut, James Buchli enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. He is also involved in various charitable organizations that support veterans and military families.

In conclusion, James Buchli is a highly accomplished astronaut who has made significant contributions to space exploration during his career. His dedication to science and discovery has inspired countless individuals around the world.