A native of Chatham-Kent is in the running to become Canada’s next astronaut.
Erik Kroeker is on the short list to possibly land one of two new astronaut positions with the Canadian Space Agency.
“The biggest reason I want to become an astronaut is to be able to share the incredible space science being done with a large audience,” Kroeker said in his Canadian Space Agency profile.
“As an astronaut, not only would I be on the leading edge of space research, working with the best minds in the world who are tackling science’s most challenging problems, but I would also be able to serve as a voice for that research.”
Kroeker was first announced as one of 72 successful candidates, he was then included on a list of the top 32 candidates and most recently it was announced he was on the list of the top 17.
“Astronauts are modern-day explorers,” Canadian Space Agency officials stated.
“They courageously travel beyond the Earth to help acquire new scientific knowledge. Their courage and determination are an inspiration to many. Despite their unique journeys, astronauts have a few things in common: an academic background in science or technology, excellent health, and outstanding qualities and skills. The candidates participating in the astronaut selection process also share these attributes.”
Kroeker and the other candidates have been undergoing extensive aptitude testing, both mental and physical.
The call for applications was made last June and the announcement of the two final candidates will happen sometime this summer.
Astronaut candidates’ basic training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas is slated to take place in August this year.
Kroeker was born in Chatham and is now a staff scientist and university lecturer in Urbana, Illinois.
Read Kroeker’s full profile, here.
– Photo credit: Canadian Space Agency, MCpl Chris Ringius, DND
