Seven spaceflights aboard the Space Shuttle record the career of Franklin Chang-Díaz, who holds a doctorate in applied plasma physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Born in San José in 1950, he transitioned from academic research in fusion technology to the NASA astronaut corps, becoming the first Latin American immigrant selected for space travel missions.
Academic Foundation
After graduating from Colegio de La Salle in 1967, Chang-Díaz moved to the United States. He finished his secondary studies at Hartford Public High School in 1969. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1973. His transition to advanced physics culminated in a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1977, where he conducted research on fusion technology and plasma-based propulsion.
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Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1980, Chang-Díaz participated in seven missions: STS-61-C, STS-34, STS-46, STS-60, STS-75, STS-91, and STS-111. During his final mission in 2002, he completed three extravehicular activities to assist in constructing the International Space Station. Between 1993 and 2005, he also directed the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center before retiring from NASA service.
Commercial Propulsion Development
Following his NASA tenure, he founded the Ad Astra Rocket Company to engineer the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket. This electrical propulsion system utilizes high exhaust speeds for deep space transit. Beyond private sector engineering, he serves as an adjunct professor in physics and astronomy at Rice University and holds a seat on the board of directors for Cummins.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 April 1950, San José, Costa Rica
- Citizenship: United States; Costa Rica
- Education: Hartford Public High School; University of Connecticut; Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- NASA induction: 1980
- Space Shuttle missions: 7
- Awards: NASA Exceptional Service Medal (1990); NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2003); United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Company: Ad Astra Rocket Company
Questions readers ask
How many times did Franklin Chang-Díaz travel to space?
He flew on seven Space Shuttle missions between 1986 and 2002.
What is the primary focus of his company, Ad Astra?
The company develops the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket, which is an electrical propulsion device.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Rice University
- Educated at University of Connecticut, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Hartford Public High School
- Worked as physicist, astronaut and engineer
