Let's make this birthday one to remember.

68 years old (Born on March 31, 1957)

Happy Birthday, Patrick! You've soared far higher than the rest of us—literally. After boldly going where most people only dream (aboard Discovery for the STS-105 mission), you're forever our favorite astronaut who somehow made zero-gravity look easy and spacewalks fairly routine.

Wishing you a year that's out-of-this-world, but please remember: aging on Earth is mandatory, yet aging in orbit apparently doesn't count! May your adventures continue to inspire generations—and may NASA finally acknowledge that you're clearly younger by however much time you've spent above Earth's atmosphere.

Here's to many more stellar years, Commander. Happy birthday and keep soaring!