Early Life and Education

Mark Kelly was born on February 21, 1964, in Orange, New Jersey. He grew up in West Orange and graduated from Mountain High School in 1982. Kelly went on to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering and nautical science. He later received a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Career in the Navy and NASA

After graduating from the Merchant Marine Academy, Kelly joined the United States Navy and became a naval aviator. He flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and served as a test pilot for the Navy. In 1996, Kelly was selected to join NASA's astronaut corps.

During his time at NASA, Kelly flew four space shuttle missions, serving as pilot or commander on each one. He also spent time aboard the International Space Station as part of expeditions 26/27 and 45/46. Kelly retired from NASA in 2011 but continued to be involved in space exploration efforts.

Political Career

In 2020, Mark Kelly ran for the United States Senate as a Democrat in Arizona. He won the election and was sworn in as a U.S. Senator in December of that year. Kelly serves on several committees, including the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on Armed Services.

Personal Life

Mark Kelly is married to former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The couple has two daughters together. In addition to his work in politics and space exploration, Kelly is an advocate for gun control measures and has spoken out about the need for stricter laws to prevent gun violence.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Mark Kelly's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This includes his earnings from his time as an astronaut and his current salary as a U.S. Senator.

Overall, Mark Kelly has had a diverse and accomplished career that has spanned both military service and public office. His dedication to space exploration and advocacy for important issues make him a notable figure in American politics and beyond.