Ever wondered how much a former NASA astronaut like Scott Kelly has earned over the years?
With a career spanning multiple space missions, book deals, and public speaking engagements, his financial status is a topic of curiosity.
In this article, Aupeo dives into Scott Kelly net worth, his career earnings, and financial sources. Keep reading to uncover the details behind his wealth.
Scott Kelly Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Scott Joseph Kelly |
| Popular Name | Scott Kelly |
| Birth Date | February 21, 1964 |
| Age (as of 03/19/2025) | 61 |
| Birthplace | Orange, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | SUNY Maritime College (B.E.), University of Tennessee (M.S.) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Amiko Kauderer (m. 2018), Leslie S. Yandell (m. 1992–2010) |
| Children | Two |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Mark Kelly (twin brother) |
| Parents | Patricia (McAvoy) Kelly, Richard Kelly |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Source of Wealth | NASA, U.S. Navy, Book Sales, Public Speaking |
What is the Net Worth Of Scott Kelly in 2025?
As of 2025, Scott Kelly’s net worth is estimated at $4 million.
His wealth primarily comes from his tenure as a NASA astronaut, where he commanded multiple International Space Station (ISS) missions. After retiring, he supplemented his income through book sales and public speaking engagements.
Compared to other former astronauts, Kelly’s net worth is moderate. While his brother, Mark Kelly, transitioned into politics, Scott focused on space exploration and science communication.
Other notable figures in the field have varying financial standings, with some earning significantly more due to corporate roles or media deals.
Other Notable Figures
- Mark Kelly
- Neil Armstrong
- Buzz Aldrin
- Chris Hadfield
- Sally Ride
- Mae Jemison
- Peggy Whitson
- Jim Lovell
- Eileen Collins
- Tim Peake
For readers interested in other high-net-worth individuals, explore our list of the most financially successful public figures.
Scott Kelly Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
Personal Information and Early Life
Scott Kelly was born in Orange, New Jersey, and raised in West Orange. He pursued an engineering degree at the State University of New York Maritime College, later earning a Master’s in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee. His early career began in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a naval aviator and test pilot.
NASA Career and Space Missions
Kelly joined NASA in 1996 and became a veteran astronaut with four spaceflights. His notable missions include:
- STS-103 (1999) – Piloted the Space Shuttle Discovery
- STS-118 (2007) – Commanded the Space Shuttle Endeavour
- Expedition 25/26 (2010–2011) – ISS Commander
- Year-Long ISS Mission (2015–2016) – Longest U.S. spaceflight at the time
Each mission contributed to his salary and pension, funded by NASA and the U.S. government.
Awards and Achievements
Kelly’s contributions to space exploration earned him multiple honors, including:
- United States Naval Astronaut Badge
- Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Korolev Diploma (1999)
- Honorary Doctorate of Science, State University of New York (2008)
- Featured on Time magazine’s cover (2014)
- Listed in Time 100 Most Influential People (2015)
These accolades bolstered his public image, allowing for more speaking engagements and book deals.
Income Sources and Wealth Management
After retiring from NASA in 2016, Scott Kelly diversified his income through:
- NASA Pension – Guaranteed government pension from his service
- Book Royalties – Earnings from Endurance: A Year in Space and other publications
- Public Speaking – Paid appearances at science and aerospace events
- Consulting Work – Advisory roles in space and technology sectors
His financial strategy relies on leveraging his astronaut experience into multiple revenue streams.
Notable Locations and Institutions
NASA
Kelly spent over two decades at NASA, contributing to its space programs and later serving as an operations branch chief for the ISS.
International Space Station (ISS)
He lived aboard the ISS for nearly a year, breaking records and conducting research on the effects of spaceflight on the human body.
University of Tennessee
He pursued a Master’s in Aviation Systems, preparing for his role in space missions and aerospace engineering.
West Orange, New Jersey
His hometown, where he and his brother developed an interest in aviation and science.
Books and Publications
Scott Kelly capitalized on his astronaut experience by publishing several books:
- Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery (2017)
- My Journey to the Stars (2017)
- Infinite Wonder: An Astronaut’s Photographs from a Year in Space (2018)
These books generated significant royalties, adding to his wealth portfolio.
Recent Activities and Public Engagements
In recent years, Kelly has remained active in public advocacy and space-related initiatives:
- Became a United Nations Champion for Space (2016)
- Joined United24 as an ambassador, raising funds for medical aid (2022)
- Delivered keynote speeches at space and aviation conferences
His role as a science communicator ensures a steady flow of public engagements and income opportunities.
Conclusion
Scott Kelly’s financial journey reflects a successful career in space exploration, followed by lucrative public speaking and book sales. While his net worth is modest compared to some celebrities, his contributions to science and space travel remain invaluable.
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