For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe, driving us to venture beyond our planet and explore unknown environments beyond our solar system. In today’s world, the question of why we should embark on space exploration voyages goes beyond mere curiosity.
Ultimately, space exploration is a necessity with wide-ranging implications. It’s not just an endeavor; instead, it involves both intrinsic and extrinsic benefits to humanity.
Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, is a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University and the senior advisor for space programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. He received a BS from Columbia University, and MS degrees in mechanical engineering and in technology and policy, as well as a PhD in mechanical engineering, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, is a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University and the senior advisor for space programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. He received a BS from Columbia University, and MS degrees in mechanical engineering and in technology and policy, as well as a PhD in mechanical engineering, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino shares important life lessons from his journey to joining the space program and achieving what, at times, felt like an impossible dream.
Fifty years ago a six-year-old boy named Michael Massimino sat in front of his family’s television on Long Island, N.Y., transfixed by the blurry black-and-white images of a man walking on the moon. Like millions of other children watching the Apollo 11 lunar landing on July 20, 1969, Massimino vowed to one day become an astronaut just like the Apollo 11 crewmembers