Joseph Acaba, an educator, hydrogeologist, and the first Puerto Rican NASA astronaut. In May 2004 he became the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be named as a NASA astronaut candidate when he was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Training Group 19. He is currently assigned to STS-119, which was launched on March 15, 2009 to deliver the final set of solar arrays to the International Space Station.
On a recent interview, Mr. Acaba stated: “As an educator you presumably believe in the notion that education can take you anywhere. You’re about to go to space as a living example of that. How would you like to see your example impact kids? “I think you said it correctly about example. I think a lot of times we try to tell kids what to do and really say, “This is the way it should be done”, but I think they learn a lot more by looking at examples whether it be their parents in my case or their teachers…”. A statement that fits the HISPA Role Model Bureau.HISPA wishes, Mr. Acaba, the very best on this amazing journey.
Please visit NASA’s Meet NASA’s Future Explorer – Joe Acaba to learn more about this role model.
Please visit the NASA Website to watch the amazing Space Shuttle launch and an array of interesting information.
