My lifelong goal is to live and work in space as an astronaut. I started the "Astronaut for Hire" blog back in 2007 to chronicle my progress through the NASA astronaut application and selection process. I passed through the first few stages of selection and made it to the "Highly Qualified" round (top 3-13%) before being cut. In the process I met lots of great people who share this passion, and it has changed my life. In 2009 and 2010, I took part in the FMARS and MDRS simulated Mars missions and recently co-founded an exciting new organization to develop the commercial astronaut workforce called "Astronaut4Hire". Again in 2012, I made it to the Highly Qualified stage of NASA's astronaut selection, but I am undeterred that the advances I am making will enhance my chances going forward. In 2014, I will be an Atlantica Expedition crewmember in an underwater habitat off the coast of Florida. This blog continues to track my activities and musings as I make my own way to space, opening the frontier for more people.
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completing the Boston Marathon |
My main hobby is running. I have 6 marathons under my belt, including the highly competitive Boston Marathon (pictured here), and over 70 shorter races. I'm also a recreational cyclist and have been known to partake in the occasional triathlon. My favorite places are mountains, and I can never get enough snow. I'm a trained climber and mountaineer with glacier-trekking and minor mountain-climbing experience in both Alaska and Antarctica. Having grown up in an aviation family, I am a Private Pilot and also hold several SCUBA dive certifications. When I can, I also like to go hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and skiing too.
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Presenting to the UN COPUOS |
I try my best to live sustainably and help others to do the same. I believe we can all do more to reduce our footprints on the Earth and leave it in better condition for our descendants. A native of Arkansas who transplanted to the Midwest, I now live in Hawaii with my wife and two young children. If you have questions about earth science, space exploration, sustainable living, natural parenting or anything else, let me know.