After half a year in space, Leroy Chiao has an inspiring message
Space exploration is all about dreams for NASA astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao. Ever since he watched the first Apollo moon landing at the tender age of eight, he has dreamed of taking to the skies as an astronaut. In 1994, Dr. Chiao embarked on his first space mission, STS-65, aboard the Columbia shuttle.
He has been on three other space missions, including an expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), and has performed six spacewalks. While visiting the Canadian Space Agency recently, Apogee talked to him about Expedition 10.
Chiao (left) and Sharipov (right) christen the ISS with the Expedition 10 emblem.
A love of science From October 13, 2004, to April 24, 2005, Chiao and Russian cosmonaut Salizan Sharipov conducted many experiments while in orbit.Chiao said that it was very rewarding to do the science experiments since the purpose of the International Space Station is for research. His enthusiasm for science comes as no surprise. He worked as a chemical engineer before becoming a NASA astronaut.
In addition to maintaining the ISS, conducting various experiments, and keeping up with his training, Dr. Chiao operated the Canadarm2 on a monthly basis.
Canadarm2 seen from the International Space Station. (Courtesy of NASA)
Distinct technologies Flying to and from the ISS on the Russian Soyuz Rocket was a highlight for him. "It's a great machine," he said. "It's not nearly as comfortable as the Shuttle. You are really crammed in there. But I sure am glad to have had that experience. It's a neat spacecraft."
Dr. Chiao is an ExtraVehicular Activities (EVA) specialist and performed two repair and installation spacewalks on this mission. For these, he wore a Russian Orlan space suit. Dr. Chiao describes the American suit as very comfortable and plush, but notes that it requires quite a lot of maintenance. The Russian suit is stiffer yet reliable, simple, and easy to operate.
Dr. Chiao gets cozy in the Russian Soyuz Rocket. (Courtesy of NASA)
A rewarding career One of the more rewarding parts of being an astronaut for Dr. Chiao is the international aspect of space exploration. But this means he must travel frequently between the partner nations. There is a lot to know and learn in the training, so “staying with it is like running a marathon."
Upon returning to Earth and opening the hatch, Dr. Chiao appreciated the sweet smell of of grass and mud. Another comfort he missed was a hot shower. The rinseless products astronauts use for washing are “not very satisfying. It was a great mission, but it’s nice to be home."
Dr. Chiao poses with the Russian Orlan space suit he used on two on Expedition 10 spacewalks. (Courtesy of NASA)
New challenges Dr. Chiao is excited about the new vision for space and looks forward to the time when humans go to the moon to build a base for space exploration.
Before leaving for Russia, where he would be serving as liaison for the family of a fellow American astronaut, he had some inspiring words: “It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about what you want to do with the rest of your life. It is important to have dreams, and not to be afraid of going after them. If I can reach my dreams, so can you."
