Former NASA astronaut speaks today at BYU on 'Mapping Path to Solar System'

PROVO — Former NASA astronaut Franklin R. Chang-Diaz will present a Brigham Young University forum address titled "Mapping a Path to the Solar System and Beyond" today at 11:05 a.m. in the Marriott Center.

Chang-Diaz flew seven space missions, performed three space walks and logged more than 1,600 hours in space. He also directed the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center, served as capsule commander at the Houston Mission Control Center for two space shuttle missions and led the astronaut team at the Kennedy Space Center.

He continues his academic work as an adjunct professor of physics at Rice University and the University of Houston. He is also the founder, current chairman and CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Co. In addition to his scientific work, Chang-Diaz has been active in his native Costa Rica, helping to design and implement a plan to transform the country into a fully developed nation.

The forum will be broadcast live on the BYU Broadcasting channels. For rebroadcast information, visit byubroadcasting.org.