Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz

Dr. Franklin Chang-Díaz is a Costa Rican-born American physicist, mechanical engineer, and former NASA astronaut who was the first Latin American immigrant selected to join NASA's astronaut corps. Chang-Díaz earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a doctorate in applied plasma physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a veteran of seven Space Shuttle missions, tying the record for the most spaceflights, a distinction he shares with astronaut Jerry L. Ross. Over those seven missions, Chang-Díaz logged more than 1,601 hours in space, including 19 hours and 31 minutes in three spacewalks.

Chang-Díaz's NASA career spanned a quarter-century and included support for major milestones such as the launch of the Galileo probe to Jupiter, the first mission of the Shuttle-MIR Program—which led to the International Space Station—and subsequent work on the station's construction. He served as director of the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory at Johnson Space Center, where he led early development of the VASIMR rocket engine, a significant advancement in plasma propulsion technology. His contributions to space exploration have been recognized with multiple honors, including four NASA Distinguished Service Medals, the Medal of Liberty awarded by President Reagan, induction into the NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and the Buzz Aldrin Quadrennial Space Award from The Explorers Club.

After retiring from NASA, Chang-Díaz founded Ad Astra Rocket Company, where he serves as chairman and CEO. The company focuses on advanced plasma rocket propulsion technology, resulting in the development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), an electric propulsion device for space applications. The VASIMR engine is designed for high exhaust speeds and, with sufficient electrical power, has the theoretical capability to enable crewed missions to Mars in significantly reduced timeframes. NASA has provided funding to Ad Astra Rocket Company for further development of the VASIMR engine. Chang-Díaz has authored three books about his life and work, including the autobiographies "Los Primeros Años" and "Dream's Journey," as well as "To Mars and Beyond, Fast!: How Plasma Propulsion Will Revolutionize Space Exploration."

In addition to his work in rocket science and space technology, Chang-Díaz holds leadership and academic roles. He is an adjunct professor in physics and astronomy at Rice University and serves on the board of directors of Cummins Inc. Chang-Díaz has served as a commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Aviation Safety and Security and is involved with EARTH University and Strategy for the 21st Century, a Costa Rican organization focused on national development. He is also active in environmental protection and raising awareness about climate change. Chang-Díaz's journey from immigrating to the United States as a teenager to becoming an astronaut and innovator in plasma propulsion positions him as a knowledgeable voice on space exploration, technology innovation, perseverance, and the immigrant experience.