Joseph Allen

Joseph Allen is a renowned expert on the health effects of air pollution, especially its impact on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Astronaut

June 27, 1937

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Joseph M. Acaba, born on May 17, 1967, is a distinguished NASA astronaut and the first Puerto Rican to journey into space. With over 300 hours spent in the vast expanse of space during his two spaceflights, Acaba has made significant contributions to space exploration.

Acaba’s first spaceflight, STS-119, launched in 2009, where he performed three spacewalks to install solar arrays on the International Space Station (ISS). His second mission, Expedition 31/32, saw him serve as a flight engineer aboard the ISS for four months, conducting experiments and ensuring the station’s smooth operation.

Throughout his career, Acaba has garnered numerous accolades, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award. In recognition of his exceptional achievements, he was inducted into the prestigious Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2021.

Beyond his space endeavors, Acaba is a passionate advocate for STEM education, inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He is also an accomplished scuba diver, licensed pilot, and fluent Spanish speaker, demonstrating his diverse talents and interests.

Joseph M. Acaba’s journey from his humble beginnings in Inglewood, California, to becoming a celebrated astronaut serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists, explorers, and dreamers everywhere.