Guy Gardner has served as a fighter pilot, test pilot, astronaut, government executive and teacher. He is currently a consultant with clients including Space Adventures, Ltd., a space tourism company, Omega Systems Group, a risk management consulting company, and Ottenstein Enterprises, a home remodeling company.

Gardner began his career flying F-4's in the Vietnam War while stationed at Udorn, Thailand, in 1972. He then served as an F-4 instructor and operational pilot at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. He attended the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in 1975, and served as a test pilot with the 6512th Test Squadron and as an instructor test pilot at the USAF Test Pilot School. In 1979-80, he was operations officer of the 1st Test Squadron at Clark Air Base, Philippines.