Franklin Ramón Chang-Díaz, born on April 5, 1950, in San José, Costa Rica, is a distinguished American mechanical engineer, physicist, and former NASA astronaut. He became a U.S. citizen in 1977 and has since made significant contributions to space exploration and advanced propulsion systems. As the founder and CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Company, Chang-Díaz has been at the forefront of developing innovative technologies aimed at revolutionizing space travel.
Throughout his illustrious career, he completed seven missions aboard the Space Shuttle, tying the record for the most spaceflights, a milestone matched in 2021 by fellow astronaut Jerry L. Ross. Notably, Chang-Díaz holds the distinction of being the first Latin American immigrant selected as a NASA astronaut, as well as the third Latin American overall to journey into space. His impressive achievements have earned him a place in the esteemed NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to aeronautics and space science.
In addition to his work with Ad Astra, he serves on the board of directors for Cummins, further showcasing his commitment to engineering and technology. Franklin Chang-Díaz's remarkable journey reflects his dedication to advancing human exploration beyond Earth, inspiring future generations in the fields of science and engineering.
