KOCHI: Steve Lee Smith, a former NASA astronaut and prominent technology executive, has commended India for its ambitious and tenacious approach to space exploration, particularly its achievements with the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. Smith highlighted India's impressive strides in space technology, surpassing established space powers like Russia, Japan, and the United States.

Former NASA astronaut Steve Lee Smith addressed a session at the International Conclave on GenAI in Kochi on July 11. Speaking at the "Lessons Learned from a Skywalker" session during the two-day International Conclave on GenAI, Smith emphasized the significance of India's progress. The event, organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in collaboration with IBM, served as a platform for discussing advancements in artificial intelligence and space technology.

Smith acknowledged the perseverance and determination that characterized India's journey to the moon. "India can be proud of its progress and take forward the space programme with resilience and grit," he remarked, underscoring the importance of a relentless mindset in achieving such groundbreaking goals.

A Mission-Driven Career in Space
Smith, who has an illustrious career as an astronaut, flew in space four times at speeds reaching 28,000 km/hour aboard the space shuttle, covering a total of 16 million miles. He is renowned for his seven spacewalks, which included critical repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope. His experiences in space and his dedication to mission-driven work have made him a respected figure in the aerospace community.

Overcoming Rejection and Building Bonds
During his speech, Smith also reflected on his personal journey, including the challenges he faced in becoming an astronaut. Despite being rejected four times by NASA's Astronaut Programme, he persevered and ultimately succeeded, a testament to his unwavering commitment.

Smith fondly recalled his friendship with India-born US astronaut Kalpana Chawla, who tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. He spoke of their shared experiences and the impact she had on his life, highlighting the deep bonds formed in the pursuit of space exploration.

India's Future in Space
Smith's praise for India's lunar mission is a significant endorsement from a seasoned astronaut and space veteran. His recognition of India's achievements not only boosts the morale of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) but also inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers to continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission represents a significant milestone in the nation's space programme, showcasing its capabilities and potential on the global stage. With continued resilience and innovation, India is poised to make even greater contributions to the field of space science.

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