Spotlight: Dr. Franklin Chang Diaz
A Front Row Seat to the “Overview Effect”
The CG Summit is dedicated to embracing diverse perspectives, fostering connections, and grounding ourselves in the shared humanity that unites us all, the profound interconnectedness that binds us together. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Franklin Chang Diaz to this year’s Summit. As someone who has experienced the “Overview Effect” and seen the home we all inhabit from space, we believe his perspective on human connection will be quite unique.
Born in Costa Rica, Franklin emigrated to the United States in 1968 to pursue his dream of becoming an astronaut and a rocket scientist. Arriving in the US alone, at the age of 18, he enrolled at Hartford Public High School to learn English and seek an opportunity for higher education. In 1969, the year humans first set foot on the surface of the Moon, a scholarship to the University of Connecticut provided him with his own personal “small step” into the world of science and engineering.
In 1973, he earned a mechanical engineering degree from UConn and, four years later, a PhD in Applied Plasma Physics from MIT. Despite his parents’ lack of formal education, they instilled in Franklin ambitious aspirations and a robust work ethic. Throughout his journey in the U.S. he has faced and overcome many obstacles and challenges which have shaped his character and molded his persona. Many people also came forward to lend a hand and help in difficult times. His main lesson: No one gets anywhere without someone else’s help.
Franklin’s journey embodies the essence of perseverance and determination. As the first Latin American immigrant to become a NASA Astronaut, he broke barriers not only in space but also in representation within the scientific community. His time aboard his record seven Space Shuttle missions solidified his place in history.
Beyond his achievements at NASA, Franklin’s commitment to innovation and pioneering spirit continues to shine through his leadership at Ad Astra Rocket Company, where he spearheads research into advanced space propulsion systems, paving the way to expanding our space economy and for future exploration of our cosmos. The company’s wholly owned Costa Rica subsidiary is helping the country achieve its decarbonization goals through the implementation of green hydrogen infrastructure. This dual commitment to space exploration while simultaneously helping preserve the planet, is driven by a desire to create and ensure new opportunities for future generations. As Franklin explained in an interview with the Advanced Physics Society:
“My dream or my vision is a future for humanity where we will be completely free to pursue activities outside of our planet. The Earth will then become sort of humanity’s national park, a protected area where our children and their children can all come back and know and enjoy the beauty of where their ancestors came from.”
Reflecting on his journey, Franklin emphasizes the significance of investing in and mentoring the next generation. He credits the network of supporters who aided his advancement as pivotal to his success. At the heart of his message is the importance of nurturing networks and fostering supportive communities that empower the next generation, networks that guide and unite us to safeguard the only world we inhabit—a vision that resonates with the ethos of the Common Ground Summit.