Leroy Chiao

Leroy Chiao has a unique perspective of the world since he's one of the very few brave individuals who've had the opportunity to see it from space...a lot! Ever since he sat transfixed as a child in front of his television set to watch the Apollo 11 moon landing back in 1969...Leroy knew that his destination would be the stars.

The son of Chinese immigrants, Chiao became one of the most accomplished astronauts in the history of the United States' Space Program. During his stellar 15-year NASA career that began in 1990, Leroy went on to log 229 days in space, flew three different missions in the space shuttle program and eventually earned the honor of commanding the International Space Station. He is also one of one of only 166 people to walk in space--a feat he accomplished six times--and was one of a scant few Americans to ever co-pilot a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He earned numerous accolades, including NASA's Distinguished Service Medal, two Exceptional Service Medals, and four Space Flight Medals.

After leaving NASA, Leroy maintained his lofty ambition, signing on to become a pioneer in a commercial space program (Excalibur Almaz) which plans to fly private citizens to low earth orbit and beyond in the next few years.  "I saw that there was a real future in space travel and exploration in the private sector," says Chiao. "We are on the edge of the barnstorming era of spaceflight. There are dozens of companies racing to make commercial space travel a reality and that's sooner than most people think."

In addition to his work at Excaliber Almaz, he is also a spokesperson and an advisor for the Heinlein Prize Trust, an organization that promotes education through science. He also serves on the board of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education which uses students' natural enthusiasm for space to create innovative learning experiences for imaginative young minds. The Challenger Center aims to help transform the way teachers teach and students learn...and assist in creating a new generation of explorers.

The Ph.D in chemical engineering from the University of California is currently writing two books. One is a children's story called Leroy, The Astronaut Next Door, which offers stories of Leroy trying his hand at all kinds of professions to point out to kids the importance of always giving the very best you have to any task you take on. The second is titled, Man vs. Robot, about the future direction of space travel...which will combine an increased focus on robotics with a renewed interest for manned missions to the moon...and beyond. Chiao also frequently appears on television as an expert commentator in the areas of science and space exploration.

Chiao's impressive scientific resume doesn't begin and end at Cape Canaveral. He is also the chairman of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute User Panel, which is attached to the Baylor College of Medicine. He also served as the first Raborn Distinguished Chair Max Faget Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Louisiana State University from 2006 through 2008.

As the shuttle program nears the end of its fantastic voyage, Chiao's accomplished track record in space, in the lab and in the field, offer audiences the kind of unparalleled experiences that few others can provide.

At the same time, Chiao's singular technical accomplishments and expertise also allow him to offer compelling insights on the future of space exploration and the need for renewed American focus on innovation and technology to keep our country competitive in a increasingly competitive global environment.
 
Few people can claim to have reached the heights in their careers that Leroy Chiao has experienced. But he is happy to offer the benefit of his out-of-this-world experiences to inspire and inform other people in any field.