Who Is Scott Kelly Wife? Meet Amiko Kauderer & Family Life 2025

Scott Kelly, the American astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and record-setting space traveler, is best known for spending nearly a full year aboard the International Space Station (ISS). While his contributions to space exploration have earned him international acclaim, many people are also curious about the woman who has stood by his side—his wife, Amiko Kauderer.

While Kelly made headlines for his historic 340-day mission in space, Amiko has been equally influential on Earth, building a successful career while offering steadfast support to one of NASA’s most recognized astronauts. Here’s an in-depth look at Scott Kelly’s wife, their family life, and Scott’s career and net worth as of 2025.

Meet Amiko Kauderer: Scott Kelly’s Wife

Amiko Kauderer is a communications strategist and public affairs expert who spent years working with NASA. Based in Houston, Texas, Amiko met Scott Kelly while working as a senior public affairs officer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where she specialized in human spaceflight communications.

Amiko and Scott’s paths first crossed through their professional roles, with Amiko helping manage public engagement and press coordination for astronauts, including Kelly himself. Over time, their working relationship blossomed into a personal one, and the couple has been together for over a decade.

While Amiko’s exact age is not publicly disclosed, she is believed to be in her mid-to-late 40s as of 2025.

Marriage and Personal Life

After dating for several years, Scott Kelly and Amiko Kauderer became engaged in 2010 and later married in a private ceremony. Unlike Kelly’s previous marriage to Leslie Yandell, which ended in divorce, his relationship with Amiko has been marked by mutual understanding and shared experiences related to space exploration and public service.

Amiko stood by Scott’s side during some of his most physically and mentally demanding assignments, including his nearly one-year stay aboard the ISS from March 2015 to March 2016 as part of NASA’s “Year in Space” mission. Throughout this period, she became a key source of emotional support, managing life on Earth while Scott completed his historic mission.

Their relationship has been candidly discussed in Kelly’s memoirs and interviews, where he often credits Amiko for helping him manage the personal sacrifices that come with life as an astronaut.

Scott Kelly’s Children

Scott Kelly is also a father. He has two daughters, Charlotte Kelly and Samantha Kelly, from his previous marriage to Leslie Yandell. Both daughters have remained relatively private, although Kelly has shared in interviews and books how difficult it was to be away from family during long-duration space missions.

Kelly’s relationship with his daughters has remained close, and he frequently speaks about how important family is to him, especially after returning from extended periods in space. Amiko has also embraced the role of stepmother, supporting Kelly as he balances family life with the public demands of being a high-profile astronaut.

Scott Kelly’s Record-Breaking NASA Career

Scott Kelly, now 61 years old (born February 21, 1964), is one of NASA’s most distinguished astronauts. A former U.S. Navy Captain and fighter pilot, Kelly was selected as an astronaut in 1996 and has since completed four space missions, logging more than 500 days in space.

His most famous assignment was the “Year in Space” mission, a groundbreaking experiment designed to study the long-term effects of space travel on the human body. This mission provided invaluable data that will help shape NASA’s future crewed missions to Mars and beyond.

Kelly has also been part of numerous space shuttle and ISS missions, including serving as the commander of Expedition 26 and Expedition 46/47. His record for the longest single spaceflight by an American astronaut stood until 2022.

In addition to his spaceflight accomplishments, Scott Kelly is the author of several best-selling books, including Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery, which chronicles his space experiences and personal challenges.

Scott Kelly’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Scott Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. His wealth primarily comes from his NASA salary during his active years, book royalties, paid speaking engagements, consulting work, and media appearances.

Kelly’s popularity as a keynote speaker and author has grown significantly since his retirement from NASA in 2016. He frequently speaks at universities, corporate events, and conferences, sharing leadership lessons and insights from his time in space.

Additionally, Kelly has collaborated with several organizations and space agencies globally, further contributing to his income.

Life After NASA: Advocacy and Public Engagement

Since retiring, both Scott and Amiko have remained involved in public life. Kelly has used his platform to advocate for space exploration, climate change awareness, and mental resilience. Amiko, for her part, has continued to work as a communications specialist and consultant, focusing on science and technology outreach.

Together, the couple often participates in interviews and panel discussions about space exploration, leadership, and how long-distance relationships can survive the unique challenges faced by astronauts and their loved ones.

A Grounded Partnership

Scott Kelly’s marriage to Amiko Kauderer showcases the critical support system behind every successful astronaut. While Kelly has orbited Earth hundreds of times, he frequently credits Amiko’s emotional intelligence, professionalism, and personal strength as key elements in helping him navigate life’s toughest moments.

Their partnership is one grounded in understanding the complexities of space travel, public service, and balancing work-life commitments while constantly being in the spotlight.

Final Thoughts

Behind Scott Kelly’s extraordinary career in space is a strong and inspiring woman who has played a pivotal role in his life both professionally and personally. Amiko Kauderer is much more than just the wife of an astronaut—she’s a respected professional, a supportive partner, and a valued member of the space community.

As Scott Kelly continues to inspire millions worldwide with his contributions to space science and leadership, Amiko remains the steady force ensuring his story is grounded in humanity and shared purpose.