Four-Time Shuttle Astronaut Inspiring Today's Youth at SpaceCamp

Dr. Don Thomas stands near space shuttle Pathfinder in Huntsville. (Atkeison)

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The early days of America's space program inspired a future four-time space shuttle astronaut who now works to inspire the youth of today to reach for their goals -- including a voyage to Mars.

Dr. Donald Thomas ventured into space during four flights on the space shuttle. Each flight was a personal hallmark of achievement and a passion he shares with children and teens around the globe.

On Friday, Thomas will visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center -- home to the popular SpaceCamp and Aviation Challenge STEM-related camps. He hopes to inspire future engineers, pilots, and astronauts on the day they graduate from SpaceCamp.

"I was inspired to become an astronaut when I was just six years-old as I watched the launch of Alan Shepard," Dr. Thomas said as he stood near a large scale mock-up of the space shuttle. "That forever changed my life and career direction and motivated me to become an astronaut."


Thomas has visited the Alabama space center with his special brand of educational outreach for 11 years. His multimedia space flight presentation and great stories continue to keep every child's attention during his visits.

"I see the spark in the eye, I see the enthusiasm of the students, and I enjoy answering their questions," Dr. Thomas explained as we walked past several historic rockets on Tuesday. "I told the students recently that 'I am so envious of your youth because you are looking at missions to Mars in your future'".

Thomas will visit the Space and Rocket Center on July 5 and August 9, 2019, to meet with graduates of SpaceCamp and the public. He will also take center stage for Lunch with an Astronaut, where guests listen to fun conversation and ask questions of his career.

The mock-up space shuttle Pathfinder at the Space & Rocket Center. (Atkeison)

Thomas' book Orbit of Discovery: The All-Ohio Space Shuttle Mission (2014) details his second space flight with great inside stories and full-color photographs. The book also gives a tip of the hat to the 26 fellow astronauts from his home state of Ohio, including John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and Dr. Judy Resnik.

The astronaut added with a smile, "I always make the students promise if anyone goes to Mars, that they have to promise to call me when they get back. I want to hear about their mission."

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)