This week, I am participating in the Rice University Aerospace and Aviation Academy, where I have had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Mr. Leroy Chiao. Mr. Chiao is a former NASA astronaut and International Space Station commander, an instrument-rated pilot, PhD in chemical engineering, co-founder and CEO of OneOrbit, executive coach and motivational speaker, and the list goes on and on… His CV is just mind-boggling and Mr. Chiao has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards for his outstanding achievements throughout his career.
He very kindly accepted to respond to my questions about his inspiring career path and about how he became an astronaut.
Mr. Chiao, you studied chemical engineering in college and pursued a PhD degree in that field. Why chemical engineering? What motivated you?
I was originally interested in electrical engineering. But, once I got to college, I found that I had more interest in chemistry. So, I went into that field. I knew that NASA didn’t care too much about what one specifically studies. NASA requires a Masters degree in a technical or science degree, or a medical degree.
Did you already have a strong interest in aviation or aerospace as a student?
Yes, I was always interested in airplanes and flying, and rockets too.
How did you get into aviation? What types of aircrafts did you fly?
I built and flew many model airplanes and rockets as a kid. In graduate school, I went to the local airport and earned my private pilot’s license.
How did you become a NASA astronaut?
I earned the qualifying requirements and simply applied to NASA. I was fortunate enough to be asked to interview, and then to be selected!
You have been part of four different space missions. Could you tell us a little bit about the experience of spaceflight? What was it like? What was your role during these missions? What has been the most memorable moment for you?
Spaceflight is a surreal experience, especially doing spacewalks. It is almost like being in a dream. I was fortunate to have done different things during my missions. On my first, I did scientific research. On my second, I did my first spacewalks. On my third, I led the spacewalk team to help build the International Space Station (ISS). On my fourth, I flew with the Russians on a Russian rocket and spacecraft, and was the commander of the ISS. I also did two Russian spacewalks.
Probably the most memorable moment was during my third mission. I was doing a spacewalk, and my boots were locked into the robotic arm. While I was being moved from one ISS worksite to another, I was face down to the Earth for several minutes. I had no view of the Space Shuttle, or the ISS. I felt like a satellite flying over the Earth. It was really fantastic.
Was your background in aviation of any use in preparation for your space missions?
Yes, in the sense that if you learn to fly airplanes, you learn to think operationally. That is what makes a good pilot. You are able to keep calm and assess situations, and react appropriately. So, flying airplanes helped prepare me for spaceflight too.
You co-founded OneOrbit. Can you tell us a little bit about the company?
I founded OneOrbit with Jami, who was a professional educator. We do motivational speaking and training, for both corporate and sponsored education events. We use the exciting backdrop of spaceflight to motivate people, and draw lessons learned from spaceflight for topics like leadership, combating complacency, and thinking about applying technology and innovation.
What advice would you give young students who wish to pursue a career in aviation or aerospace?
Keep moving forward! Work hard and do as well as you can in school. Study something for which you have passion. Don’t forget to keep your body and mind healthy too, by choosing a lifestyle that is conducive to positive health.
Thank you so much for your time, Sir. It's been an incredible honor!
