Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz
Keynote Speaker: Physicist, Mechanical Engineer & Former NASA Astronaut; First Latin American Immigrant to Join NASA's Astronaut Corps; Founder & CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Company
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Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz Biography
Dr. Franklin Chang-Díaz is a Costa Rican-born American physicist, mechanical engineer, and former NASA astronaut who was the first Latin American immigrant selected to join NASA's astronaut corps. Chang-Díaz earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a doctorate in applied plasma physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a veteran of seven Space Shuttle missions, tying the record for the most spaceflights, a distinction he shares with astronaut Jerry L. Ross. Over those seven missions, Chang-Díaz logged more than 1,601 hours in space, including 19 hours and 31 minutes in three spacewalks.
Chang-Díaz's NASA career spanned a quarter-century and included support for major milestones such as the launch of the Galileo probe to Jupiter, the first mission of the Shuttle-MIR Program—which led to the International Space Station—and subsequent work on the station's construction. He served as director of the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory at Johnson Space Center, where he led early development of the VASIMR rocket engine, a significant advancement in plasma propulsion technology. His contributions to space exploration have been recognized with multiple honors, including four NASA Distinguished Service Medals, the Medal of Liberty awarded by President Reagan, induction into the NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and the Buzz Aldrin Quadrennial Space Award from The Explorers Club.
After retiring from NASA, Chang-Díaz founded Ad Astra Rocket Company, where he serves as chairman and CEO. The company focuses on advanced plasma rocket propulsion technology, resulting in the development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), an electric propulsion device for space applications. The VASIMR engine is designed for high exhaust speeds and, with sufficient electrical power, has the theoretical capability to enable crewed missions to Mars in significantly reduced timeframes. NASA has provided funding to Ad Astra Rocket Company for further development of the VASIMR engine. Chang-Díaz has authored three books about his life and work, including the autobiographies "Los Primeros Años" and "Dream's Journey," as well as "To Mars and Beyond, Fast!: How Plasma Propulsion Will Revolutionize Space Exploration."
In addition to his work in rocket science and space technology, Chang-Díaz holds leadership and academic roles. He is an adjunct professor in physics and astronomy at Rice University and serves on the board of directors of Cummins Inc. Chang-Díaz has served as a commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Aviation Safety and Security and is involved with EARTH University and Strategy for the 21st Century, a Costa Rican organization focused on national development. He is also active in environmental protection and raising awareness about climate change. Chang-Díaz's journey from immigrating to the United States as a teenager to becoming an astronaut and innovator in plasma propulsion positions him as a knowledgeable voice on space exploration, technology innovation, perseverance, and the immigrant experience.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz and other top speakers and celebrities.
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz Speaking Topics
The future of space exploration, Building the “space railroad,” Advanced propulsion systems; Enabling fast human missions to Mars and beyond, NASA’s shuttle program and International Collaboration:
- Much like the steam locomotives revolutionized travel in the U.S., advanced space propulsion systems to support the space supply-chain are needed to grow a sustainable space economy. As space is opening commercially and globally, projected to become a $1 Trillion industry, high-power electric propulsion will be necessary to sustain demand for affordable logistics and to develop a robust and reliable supply chain in-space.
- The challenges and opportunities of deep space travel to Mars and Beyond - As NASA has assembled it's Moon-to-Mars Architecture program and the U.S. is eager to go back to the Moon and go further, we start to think about what will be necessary for us to develop as a nation to be at the forefront of this exciting new endeavor. Going to Mars is very different than going to the Moon, meaning how we get there will need to be different. Learn from former astronaut and scientist about the challenges and opportunities of what a fast mission to Mars could look like and how disruptive emerging technology can revolutionize the way we travel in space.
- NASA’s Shuttle Program - Dr. Chang Díaz was fortunate enough to experience a 25-year career as a NASA Astronaut that encompassed a transformation in human space flight, from the beginning of the Shuttle Program and its evolution and integration with the Russian MIR Program and the construction of the International Space Station. Flying 7 space shuttle missions, he participated in some of NASA’s most important space achievements, such as the Galileo mission to Jupiter, the internationalization of space with the Shuttle-MIR Program and the Construction of the International Space Station. Learn from an insider what it was like to learn from the tragedies of Challenger and Columbia and to personally observe, over nearly two decades of space flight, the environmental changes taking place on our home planet.
As climate change and global warming are harder and harder to ignore, Dr. Chang Díaz walks us through some of the solutions his company and many others are working on to ensure a safer and cleaner future and avert environmental catastrophe. “Space is our future, but to explore it, we need a healthy society and a healthy home planet” "seeing Earth from space, changes your perspective, it fills you with an intense responsibility and stewardship to try and protect this beautiful planet we call home." - Dr. Chang Díaz.
It is important for us to not be afraid to fail. If we only ever do what we are comfortable with, what we know works, we would never have achieved the complex technological modern society that we live in now. Learn from Dr. Chang Díaz about the failures that have shaped his success.
From humble beginnings, growing up in San José Costa Rica, to becoming the first Latino NASA Astronaut. A truly remarkable story of persistence and determination; follow Dr. Chang Díaz as he recounts emigrating to the U.S. alone, as an 18-year old in the late 60s (at the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War), speaking no English, and with $50 to his name to pursue his dream of becoming an astronaut.
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz Videos
How do I book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz speak about?
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Astronaut, Inventors, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Author, Overcoming Adversity, Immigration, Government, Inspirational, Motivational, Hispanic Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Technology, Human Resources and Teamwork & Teambuilding.
Where does Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz travel from?
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz generally travels from Houston, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Space, Astronaut and Inventors. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for live events is $50,000 - $100,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz generally travels from Houston, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Sylvia Acevedo, José M. Hernández and Shayla Rivera. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz Speaking Topics
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Space
The future of space exploration, Building the “space railroad,” Advanced propulsion systems; Enabling fast human missions to Mars and beyond, NASA’s shuttle program and International Collaboration:
- Much like the steam locomotives revolutionized travel in the U.S., advanced space propulsion systems to support the space supply-chain are needed to grow a sustainable space economy. As space is opening commercially and globally, projected to become a $1 Trillion industry, high-power electric propulsion will be necessary to sustain demand for affordable logistics and to develop a robust and reliable supply chain in-space.
- The challenges and opportunities of deep space travel to Mars and Beyond - As NASA has assembled it's Moon-to-Mars Architecture program and the U.S. is eager to go back to the Moon and go further, we start to think about what will be necessary for us to develop as a nation to be at the forefront of this exciting new endeavor. Going to Mars is very different than going to the Moon, meaning how we get there will need to be different. Learn from former astronaut and scientist about the challenges and opportunities of what a fast mission to Mars could look like and how disruptive emerging technology can revolutionize the way we travel in space.
- NASA’s Shuttle Program - Dr. Chang Díaz was fortunate enough to experience a 25-year career as a NASA Astronaut that encompassed a transformation in human space flight, from the beginning of the Shuttle Program and its evolution and integration with the Russian MIR Program and the construction of the International Space Station. Flying 7 space shuttle missions, he participated in some of NASA’s most important space achievements, such as the Galileo mission to Jupiter, the internationalization of space with the Shuttle-MIR Program and the Construction of the International Space Station. Learn from an insider what it was like to learn from the tragedies of Challenger and Columbia and to personally observe, over nearly two decades of space flight, the environmental changes taking place on our home planet.
-
Energy: renewable energy, electric transportation, building sustainable economies
As climate change and global warming are harder and harder to ignore, Dr. Chang Díaz walks us through some of the solutions his company and many others are working on to ensure a safer and cleaner future and avert environmental catastrophe. “Space is our future, but to explore it, we need a healthy society and a healthy home planet” "seeing Earth from space, changes your perspective, it fills you with an intense responsibility and stewardship to try and protect this beautiful planet we call home." - Dr. Chang Díaz.
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Innovative Technology & Motivational
It is important for us to not be afraid to fail. If we only ever do what we are comfortable with, what we know works, we would never have achieved the complex technological modern society that we live in now. Learn from Dr. Chang Díaz about the failures that have shaped his success.
-
Cultural Diversity & Inspirational Immigrations Story
From humble beginnings, growing up in San José Costa Rica, to becoming the first Latino NASA Astronaut. A truly remarkable story of persistence and determination; follow Dr. Chang Díaz as he recounts emigrating to the U.S. alone, as an 18-year old in the late 60s (at the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War), speaking no English, and with $50 to his name to pursue his dream of becoming an astronaut.
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Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz Videos
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FAQS
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How do I book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz speak about?
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Astronaut, Inventors, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Author, Overcoming Adversity, Immigration, Government, Inspirational, Motivational, Hispanic Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Technology, Human Resources and Teamwork & Teambuilding. -
Where does Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz travel from?
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz generally travels from Houston, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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