Space Travel – From Fantasy To Reality
PORTFOLIO Magazine|June 2018

Dr. Leroy Chiao, former NASA Astronaut and International Space Commander, is one of the lucky few to have travelled to a destination most of us only dream of going: Outer space. He tells us what life is really like out among the stars.

Dr. Leroy Chiao
Space Travel – From Fantasy To Reality

With an impressive 5,500 hours logged in space and six space walks that total 36 hours, you could say that American astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao is the best person to tell us about space exploration. By living out a childhood fantasy that most of us have, Dr. Chiao is someone worth looking up to – not just because he’s a part of the NASA Advisory Council or served on the White House-appointed Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee, but also the fact that he is using his expertise and knowhow to inspire the next generation of astronauts to fully live their lives and chase their dreams.

Many children dream of becoming an astronaut and you are the embodiment of that dream. Was it as amazing as you thought it would be?

I first wanted to become an astronaut when Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. I was 8 years old then and I wanted to be like the two astronauts on the Moon. I could think of nothing more exciting than flying in space. I was single when I was selected, and for most of my NASA career. I can still remember it clearly: It was early in the morning in California and the Chairman called me and woke me up. It was a life changing phone call and I was elated, of course!

Being an astronaut is, as you can imagine, wonderful and fantastic. When you’re up there, the Earth is much more beautiful than I imagined and it exceeded my expectations.

What was your first time in space like? Did you feel the same sense of excitement on the following trips?

Of course I went through all of the training, but I would say nothing really prepares you for your first experience in space. I looked back at the Earth and was taken aback by the brightness of the colors, especially the bright blues from the sunlight passing through the atmosphere! Subsequent trips are also exciting, but there’s nothing like the first time.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2018 de PORTFOLIO Magazine.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2018 de PORTFOLIO Magazine.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE PORTFOLIO MAGAZINEVer todo
To Have And To Hold
PORTFOLIO Magazine

To Have And To Hold

Marquis QSquare has opened its major showroom at a new location in Marina Square.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2021
Meet Brenda Kang Of Revival Vintage Jewels
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Meet Brenda Kang Of Revival Vintage Jewels

Popular luxury labels reign supreme in Singapore, but when it comes to jewellery, attitudes are slowly changing, shares Brenda Kang of Revival Vintage Jewels. She reveals that jewellery lovers are unable to resist the charm of vintage and the allure of next generation jewellers.

time-read
6 minutos  |
December 2021
A New Pony In Town
PORTFOLIO Magazine

A New Pony In Town

The Pagani Huayra R may well be a high-tech car disguised as a hypercar.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2021
Modern And Luxurious Good Class Bungalow
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Modern And Luxurious Good Class Bungalow

Marquis HQO, together with veteran design consultant Patty Mak, come together to breathe life into this modern and luxurious good class bungalow

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2021
Bell & Ross's BR 05 -  It's Hip To Be Square
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Bell & Ross's BR 05 - It's Hip To Be Square

The playful shapes of the BR 05 has allowed Bell & Ross to create designs they can proudly call their own

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2021
The Lexus ES In Focus
PORTFOLIO Magazine

The Lexus ES In Focus

The numbers don’t lie: With a cumulative sales total of over 2.65 million units worldwide, the Lexus ES is a gamechanger in the Lexus range. What’s more, it enjoys the distinction of being the best-selling Lexus sedan in Singapore.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2021
As Good As It Gets
PORTFOLIO Magazine

As Good As It Gets

As I’m writing this, Thanksgiving is just round the corner – in 10 days to be exact – and my Thanksgiving dinner plans are still up in the air. Do I take the risk and put in my dinner reservations and have a contingency takeaway dinner plan if Covid dining restrictions are still limited to two?

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2021
Festive Feasting For The Holidays
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Festive Feasting For The Holidays

Presenting some of the season’s most sumptuous delights, which can be enjoyed at home or at these top tables and hotels

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2021
BENDING TIME
PORTFOLIO Magazine

BENDING TIME

Nathan Yong’s collection of stone art titled ‘Farewell to Reason’ reflects the artist and designer’s search for irreverence, simplicity, and beauty

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2021
Restaurants And Chefs That Are Bringing All New Dining Experiences
PORTFOLIO Magazine

Restaurants And Chefs That Are Bringing All New Dining Experiences

A selection of familiar restaurants and chefs that are bringing all new dining experiences

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2021