Joseph M. Acaba, Chief Astronaut of NASA, stated that Bangladeshis skilled in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology will have opportunities to work at NASA. Acaba, the first person selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in May 2004, was appointed as the head of NASA’s Astronaut Office in 2023.
During his first visit to Bangladesh, Acaba attended an event at Play Pen School in Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka, on Sunday, December 15. Responding to questions from students, he explained, “NASA organizes various competitions worldwide to enhance AI technology, and Bangladesh is a participant in these events. If someone from Bangladesh makes significant progress in AI technology, there will be opportunities to work at NASA. We are constantly looking for such individuals to help us travel further into space using AI.”
Joseph Acaba discussed NASA’s global contributions to science and technology, emphasizing how Bangladesh could benefit from collaboration in space research and innovation. As a hydrologist and a former Peace Corps volunteer, he patiently answered questions posed by the students.
Highlighting the significance of AI in space technology, Acaba said, “AI is present in all systems of space technology. It helps us make decisions and detects faults when they occur. NASA’s current plan is to integrate AI into everything, with humans primarily responsible for space exploration.”
Acaba praised the potential of Bangladesh’s younger generation, encouraging them to master AI technology. “Those who learn AI will have the opportunity to work at NASA and other top global space agencies in the future.”
Discussing the future of space exploration, Acaba noted its immense promise. “So far, astronauts have not traveled beyond the Moon. However, in the future, NASA, in partnership with other countries, plans to send humans much farther, even to Mars. I believe the future of space exploration is incredible. Initially, only governments conducted space missions, but private organizations have joined, and now even ordinary people are venturing into space.”
Expressing optimism, Acaba said, “I am hopeful that in the future, Bangladeshis will also travel to space. Hard work and good education are key to achieving the dream of space exploration. You never know when an opportunity will arise, so you must be prepared.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Acaba shared details of his training and missions. “Astronauts undergo rigorous training before going to space. They are extremely hardworking individuals. During my last mission, I spent six months on the International Space Station (ISS). It took me only eight minutes by rocket to reach the ISS from Earth.”
He described the nature of their work in space, which includes research on blood, plants, and other materials. “We conduct various experiments in space and send samples back to Earth for further study.”
When asked about life after returning from space, Acaba, of Puerto Rican descent, said, “After returning to Earth, everything feels heavy for the first few weeks due to the absence of gravity in space. Astronauts need around 45 days of rehabilitation and medical check-ups to monitor their physical condition and ensure they return to normal.” He added that maintaining physical exercise in microgravity minimizes physical changes after returning to Earth.
On the challenges of space missions, Acaba identified fire as the most dangerous threat. “On Earth, we can escape a fire, but that’s not possible in space. Another major risk is small meteoroid impacts. Spacewalks can also be very intense moments.” He also warned about ammonia leaks from cooling systems, which could be fatal. “To address such risks, astronauts undergo continuous training, and Earth-based teams at ‘Mission Control’ provide critical support during emergencies.”
Acaba spoke of his fond memories of space missions. “Living in space is an extraordinary experience, and I miss those days often. However, being with family on Earth is also wonderful. I last went to space five years ago and hope to return again.”
Sharing an amusing fact, Acaba said, “In space, astronauts can call anyone on Earth for free, but no one can call us back. That’s one of the unique aspects of living in space.”
The event was attended by Play Pen School Chairman A. Mannan Khan, Principal Sharaban Tahura, and James Gardiner, Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.
