NASA’s chief astronaut Joseph M Acaba concludes Bangladesh visit 

NASA’s Chief Astronaut, Joseph M Acaba, has concluded a successful visit to Bangladesh after successful engagements with youth, academia, government officials, and media. 

His engagements included interactive sessions with students, where he inspired young minds to pursue careers in space science, robotics, STEM, research, and education, said a spokesperson of the US Embassy on Wednesday. 

Acaba arrived in Dhaka on Saturday (December 14) to engage with local youth, academia, and media.

During the visit, he discussed the role of space exploration in advancing technology and addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis. 

Acaba also participated in media interviews, where he shared insights on NASA’s contributions to global science and technology, and how Bangladesh can benefit from collaborative efforts in space exploration and technology innovation through the Artemis Accords. 

The Artemis Accords promote principles for a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space to foster further collaboration between NASA and Bangladesh’s growing space and technology sectors. 

Acaba is an American educator, hydrogeologist, and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.

In May 2004, he became the first person of Puerto Rican ancestry to be named a NASA astronaut candidate. In 2023, Acaba was appointed the Chief of the Astronaut Office. 

As an astronaut, Acaba logged over 306 days in space across three missions, including spacewalks and groundbreaking scientific research aboard the International Space Station. 

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com