Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.) is the Explorer Chair at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE).

Background: Retiring in 2011, General Chilton served for 34 1/2 years in the Air Force, most recently holding the title of Commander of U.S. Strategic Command from 2007 to 2011. General Chilton has commanded at the wing, numbered air force, major command and unified combatant command levels including serving as Commander of Air Force Space Command. He flew operational assignments in both the R-4C and F-15, and as an Air Force test pilot, conducting weapons tests in various models of the F-4 and F-15. His career includes serving 11 years as a NASA astronaut, where he flew as the Commander of STS-76, his third Space Shuttle mission, and served as the Deputy Program Manager for Operations for the International Space Station Program. General Chilton was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Creighton University, was a Columbia University Guggenheim Fellow earning a Master of Sciences degree in mechanical engineering, and is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force pilot training and test pilot schools as well as a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in engineering sciences.