Staff Correspondent

Joseph M. Acaba, who has spent over 306 days in space and participated in multiple missions aboard the International Space Station, will be in Dhaka this week.

In a historic first for Bangladesh, NASA Astronaut, Joseph M. Acaba , will “touch down” in Dhaka to engage with local youth, academia, and the media, said a press release of the US Embassy in Dhaka.

His tour will include interactive sessions with students, where he will inspire young minds to pursue careers in space science, robotics, and STEM education.

Acaba will also engage in discussions on the role of space exploration in advancing technology and addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, it said.

In addition to his academic engagements, Acaba will participate in a TV interview, sharing insights on NASA’s contributions to global science and technology, and how Bangladesh can benefit from collaborative efforts in space exploration and technology innovation through the Artemis Accords.

The Artemis Accords promote principles for a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space to foster further collaboration between NASA and Bangladesh’s growing space and technology sectors.

Acaba is an American educator, hydrogeologist, and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. In May 2004, he became the first person of Puerto Rican ancestry to be named a NASA astronaut candidate. In 2023, Acaba was appointed the Chief of the Astronaut Office.

As an astronaut, Acaba logged over 306 days in space across three missions – including spacewalks and groundbreaking scientific research aboard the International Space Station.