Mark Polansky

Mark is Barrios’ Senior Executive with the expertise to guide Barrios’ Human Space Flight (HSF) focus in the Government and commercial space industries, a foundation of the company from the beginning. He advises the CEO and President, and he works closely with the VP of Business Development and Operations VPs.

​As the Barrios PM and VP for the Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract (HSFTIC), Mark is responsible for managing the overall direction of the contract, including organization, staffing, budget, and both technical and financial contract performance. He is responsible for managing subcontractors performing HSFTIC work, establishing project goals related to the contract, and interfacing with NASA’s HSF Program Managers regarding contract status.

​Prior to joining Barrios, Mark spent almost 20 years with NASA as an astronaut and research pilot. During his tenure at NASA, he supported ISS assembly, logging almost 1000 hours in space on three shuttle flights. Polansky was Commander of STS-127 in July 2009, Commander of STS-116 in December 2006, and Pilot of STS-98 in February 2001. He also held numerous leadership positions within the Astronaut Office. Mark’s final NASA assignment was as the Director of Operations at Star City, Russia, where he lived and worked from January 2010 to June 2012.

Prior to joining NASA, Mark spent over 13 1/2 years as a United States Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot. He was a distinguished graduate from both the USAF Test Pilot School and USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training. He has logged over 7,000 hours of flying in more than 30 different aircraft.

​Polansky holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, from Purdue University, both received in 1978.

​Mark is a recipient of numerous awards including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. In addition, he is the recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Mark is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

Mark is passionate about STEM outreach, and he supports numerous events each year. He also enjoys sports, especially ice hockey, travel, and theater.