Joseph M. Acaba

Joseph M. Acaba, born on May 17, 1967, is a distinguished American educator, hydrogeologist, and NASA astronaut. His remarkable journey began in May 2004 when he made history as the first individual of Puerto Rican ancestry to be selected as a NASA astronaut candidate, joining the prestigious NASA Astronaut Training Group 19. After completing his rigorous training on February 10, 2006, Acaba was assigned to the STS-119 mission, which took place from March 15 to 28, 2009. This mission was pivotal as it delivered the final set of solar arrays to the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

Acaba's contributions to spaceflight continued as he served as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station, launching on May 15, 2012. He arrived at the station on his birthday, May 17, and returned to Earth on September 17, 2012. His expertise and dedication were further recognized when he returned to the International Space Station in 2017 as a member of Expedition 53/54, showcasing his ongoing commitment to advancing human spaceflight.

In addition to his impressive space missions, Acaba has the honor of being the first person of Caribbean and Puerto Rican origin to fly in space as a NASA astronaut. He is also the twelfth of fifteen individuals of Ibero-American heritage to achieve this remarkable feat. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the 18th Chief of the Astronaut Office, a role that underscores his leadership and influence within NASA.