Anne McClain Bio 2026: Age, NASA Astronaut Career, Family, Ex-Wife Summer Worden Controversy & Net Worth
Anne McClain, a decorated NASA astronaut, U.S. Army colonel, and engineer, stands out as one of the agency’s most accomplished flyers. The Spokane, Washington native has logged over 350 days in space across two missions to the International Space Station (ISS), including commanding NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 in 2025. Known for her combat helicopter experience, elite piloting credentials, and advocacy for diversity in STEM, McClain has also navigated public scrutiny from a high-profile 2019 divorce controversy involving false accusations of the first “crime in space.” As of February 2026, she’s an active Artemis program astronaut with a legacy of resilience both on Earth and beyond.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Anne Charlotte McClain |
| Nick Name | Annimal (call sign) |
| Profession | NASA Astronaut, U.S. Army Colonel, Engineer |
| Birth Date | June 7, 1979 |
| Age | 46 (as of February 2026) |
| Birth Place | Spokane, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Two ISS missions; Artemis program astronaut; combat pilot; 2019 controversy resolution |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly specified |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 8 in (estimated from astronaut profiles) |
| Weight | Not publicly detailed |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | BS Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering (West Point); MS Aerospace Engineering (Bath); MS International Relations (Bristol); MS Strategic Studies (Army War College) |
| Religion | Not publicly specified |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouses | Summer Heather Worden (m. 2014; div. 2020) |
| Relationships | Former marriage to Summer Worden; no current public partner |
| Children | One son (shared custody; born ~2014) |
| Family | Mother & stepfather: Charlotte and Don Lamp; Stepmother: Mari Ann McClain; Late father: James McClain (all Spokane, WA) |
| Hobbies | Weightlifting, golf, biking, CrossFit, running; former U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team member |
| Current Work | Active NASA Astronaut; Artemis program eligible |
| Years Active | NASA: 2013–present; Army: 2002–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–5 million+ (military/NASA salary, benefits; not publicly detailed) |
Early Life & Education
Born June 7, 1979, in Spokane, Washington, Anne McClain grew up dreaming of space from age three, famously telling her mother she’d attend school “to learn to be an astronaut.” Raised in a supportive family—her mother Charlotte Lamp and stepfather Don Lamp encouraged her ambitions—she graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory School in 1997.
McClain attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, earning a BS in mechanical/aeronautical engineering in 2002. As a 2002 Marshall Scholar, she pursued graduate studies in the UK: an MS in aerospace engineering from the University of Bath (2004) and an MS in international relations from the University of Bristol (2005). Later, she completed an MS in strategic studies at the U.S. Army War College (2023). Her academic foundation blended engineering precision with global perspective, fueling her multifaceted career.
Career Journey
McClain’s path combines elite military service with pioneering space exploration. Commissioned in the Army in 2002, she became a Master Army Aviator with over 2,300 flight hours in 24 aircraft types, including the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior (pilot/instructor), UH-60 Blackhawk, and C-12 Huron. She flew 800+ combat hours on 216 missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2013—the same month NASA selected her for Astronaut Group 21—she became the youngest astronaut on the roster at 34.
First Spaceflight: Expeditions 58/59 (2018–2019)
Launched December 3, 2018, aboard Soyuz MS-11, McClain spent 204 days on the ISS. She conducted two spacewalks (13 hours 8 minutes total) and was set for the first all-female EVA with Christina Koch but opted out for suit fit/safety reasons.
Artemis Program & Leadership Roles
Named an Artemis astronaut in 2020, she’s eligible for lunar missions. She served as branch chief and space station assistant in NASA’s Astronaut Office.
Second Spaceflight: SpaceX Crew-10 / Expeditions 72/73 (2025)
As commander, McClain launched March 14, 2025, aboard SpaceX Dragon Endurance. She spent 146 days on the ISS, completing one spacewalk (5 hours 44 minutes) with Nichole Ayers—relocating antennas and installing hardware for solar arrays. Total career space time: ~350 days; three EVAs (18 hours 52 minutes). Returned August 9, 2025.
Key Milestones
- 2013: NASA selection
- 2018–2019: First ISS mission
- 2020: Artemis selection
- 2025: Crew-10 commander
Personal Life
McClain is a devoted mother and fitness enthusiast. She shares one son (born around 2014) with ex-wife Summer Worden; the child featured in a heartfelt 2018 NASA photo shoot with McClain in her spacesuit. Family remains central—her Spokane roots and mother’s support inspired her journey.
Marriage, Divorce & Family
Married Summer Heather Worden (former Air Force intelligence officer) in 2014; divorced 2020 amid custody disputes. They share custody of their son.
No current public spouse or partner. McClain maintains privacy around personal relationships.
Controversies
In 2019, during Expeditions 58/59 and amid divorce proceedings, ex-wife Summer Worden accused McClain of illegally accessing her bank account from the ISS—dubbed the “first crime in space.” NASA investigated; McClain was exonerated (she had prior permission for joint finances).
Worden continued promoting the claims publicly and released personal info. Indicted in 2020, Worden pleaded guilty November 2025 to false statements. In February 2026, she was sentenced to three months federal prison, two years supervised release, and $210,000 restitution.
The case highlighted domestic tensions (including prior assault allegations by McClain, later dismissed) but affirmed McClain’s innocence.
Awards & Achievements
- NASA Astronaut (Group 21)
- Artemis program selection
- Multiple spacewalks and command roles
- U.S. Army Colonel; combat veteran honors
- Former U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team member
Physical Statistics
- Height: ~5’8″ (173 cm; typical for astronauts)
- Build: Athletic (CrossFit, weightlifting, rugby background)
- Fitness Focus: Strength training, running, biking
Interesting Facts
- Inspired by Top Gun to become a pilot after a childhood flight disappointment.
- Second LGBTQ+ American astronaut.
- Brought her young son to a 2018 NASA portrait session in spacesuit.
- Rugby standout before military career.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @astro_annimal (mission updates, family glimpses, motivational posts)
- NASA Profile: Anne C. McClain
- Wikipedia: Anne McClain
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time has Anne McClain spent in space?
About 350 days across two ISS missions: 204 days (2018–2019) and 146 days (2025).
What was the 2019 “crime in space” controversy?
Her ex-wife falsely accused her of hacking a bank account from the ISS. McClain was cleared; the accuser was sentenced in 2026.
Is Anne McClain married, and does she have children?
Divorced from Summer Worden (2020); they share one son.
Who is Nichole Ayers to Anne McClain?
Fellow NASA astronaut and Crew-10/SpaceX colleague; they performed a joint spacewalk in 2025.
Is Anne McClain still an active astronaut in 2026?
Yes—post-2025 mission, she’s Artemis-eligible for future lunar/deep space flights.
What inspired Anne McClain’s astronaut dream?
Told her mom at age three she wanted to learn to be an astronaut; supported by family and West Point path.
Conclusion
Anne McClain’s career exemplifies perseverance—from combat zones to orbit, overcoming personal challenges while advancing space exploration. Her recent Crew-10 command and exoneration in controversy underscore her strength. Share this bio if you’re inspired by trailblazing astronauts!
