From the Remote Central Asian Steppes …
… on the morning of October 1, a rocket blasted off and rose toward the autumn sky. Officials, relatives and friends watched anxiously as the boosters explosively separated as scheduled, sending the rocket into orbit within nine minutes.
On board were a Russian cosmonaut, an American astronaut and a private U.S. citizen named Gregory Olsen, BS’66, BS’68, MS’68 (T), whose path from FDU student to hugely successful entrepreneur and scientist had now led him out of this world.
After his launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Olsen traveled for two days aboard the Soyuz TMA-7 spacecraft, before docking with the International Space Station (ISS), more than 200 miles from the Earth. He spent eight days at the ISS, conducting experiments and assisting with the station’s operations, and then returned to Earth on the evening of October 10.
“The experience was more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined,” Olsen said. “I have a newfound sense of wonder seeing the Earth and stars from such an incredible perspective. Certainly, through my training, I was prepared for the technical aspects, but I had no idea that I would be flooded with such amazement and joy upon seeing my first sunrise and sunset from space.” more …
A Stellar Journey | Preparing to Fly
Reaching Great Heights | Fueled by FDU
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For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring this and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor,
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