“I was a young, naïve, wild, crazy young man,” he said addressing the youth attending the six-day youth forum that began Oct 1.
Bolden launched the SERVIR-Himalaya station on Tuesday, which is expected to integrate satellite observations system and predictive models with other geographic information system to monitor and forecast ecological changes.[break]
Recalling his teen years, Bolden said he was attracted to the uniform of the United States Naval Camp which motivated him to join. After graduating in 1968, he joined the US Marine Corps, which wasn´t his initial plan.
“Two things I thought I´d never do,” the current NASA Administrator said, “were going to be in the Marine Corps and fly planes when I came out of the camp.”
But when the wheels of his first flight lifted, Bolden described that moment as “incredible”.
Since then he has also flown in space. Bolden has orbited the Earth four times and is in the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, Florida, which honors American astronauts.
Interacting with the participants, Bolden shared his experiences of space. For him, his out of orbit exploration “strengthened his faith” religiously because he was able to see Earth from a different and unique perspective.
“As far as we know, it´s the only planet inhabited by life,” Bolden, who was appointed by US President Barack Obama in May 2009, said. “We should take care of the planet.”
Networking with some 40 participants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan to discuss Earth Observation for climate actions hosted by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development Bolden energetically talked about the most important issues for him: Education, hard work and following one´s passion.
“Study everything. You [also] need to be able to speak more than your mother tongue,” he advised the youth.
He said that one of the best things about working at NASA is that they are “risk-taking people.”
“We do it cautiously and take measured risks. Be a risk-taker.”
He reiterated the importance of speaking out and getting oneself at the forefront of any profession.
“I said I wouldn´t be picked,” he shared of his early days in 1978 when he wasn´t confidence about being chosen to be an astronaut.
“As for what you want,” he said, “Nobody will come, walk up to you and say ´we want a Nepali astronaut.´ You got to prepare yourself, work hard and be willing to take risks.”
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