Ron Rosano - Astronaut 017

For Ron Rosano, to better understand space and astronomy is to better grasp the need to protect and preserve planet Earth. He sees our globe as a fragile oasis in the incomprehensible vastness of the universe, and something we all have a responsibility to safeguard for future generations.

In awe of the starry sky since he was a child and inspired by the Apollo Moon landings, Ron has closely followed NASA and other space missions ever since. He has parlayed this passion into extensive astronomy education outreach to schools and the public for more than 25 years, meeting with more than 16,000 students and 220 schools in over 15 countries. Ron is the creator and editor of the Suborbital Flight Journal, a complete record of all human suborbital flights. His work also includes the coordination of Galactic Unite Spacechats, which are Q&A sessions with students, Virgin Galactic staff and Future Astronauts (more than 330 sessions to date).

Since 2008, Ron has conducted more than 70 events as a NASA Solar System Ambassador, giving presentations on Mars rovers, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Apollo Moon landings and commercial space flight. Ron serves on the advisory council of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the board of advisors of the Human Space Program, and the board of directors of the Nepal Youth Foundation. He also works for a property management company and pursues interests in photography and jazz drumming.

Ron’s spacesuit displays the USA and Galactic Unite flags. In his pockets he carried special giveaways for school kids (stickers and patches) to support his post-flight education work, as well as mementos of his mother and father, and keepsakes for his wife Kirstie, children and extended family.