Dr. Alan Stern is the Co-founder and Chief Scientist of World View, the leading stratospheric technology company in the world. Alan has been involved in several missions, including the New Horizons mission—a multi-decade undertaking Alan led to send the first spacecraft to Pluto. Alan was inducted into the Colorado Space Hall of Fame and hailed as one of the 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine in 2007.

Alan joins me today to discuss his journey to leading New Horizons and the road to his first spaceflight. You’ll hear about how his childhood experiences molded his desire to become an astronaut and his struggles with formal education. He explains what led him to co-found World View. He also highlights what it takes—and what it means—to explore our solar system and shares what the New Horizons mission discovered at Pluto.

“Excel at whatever you choose to do, whether it’s astronomy, oceanography, or atmospheric science. Be at the top, get yourself in gear, and set yourself apart.” - Alan Stern

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

●     Alan’s childhood years and what inspired him to be part of space exploration

●     The first book Alan wrote and his struggles with formal education

●     The road to Alan’s first spaceflight

●     The difference between a mission specialist and a payload specialist

●     How New Horizons was started and how Alan was selected for the mission

●     What stratospheric ballooning is and what led Alan to co-found World View

●     How stratospheric ballooning works and its advantages over satellite surveillance

●     Meeting Richard Branson for the first time and what sub-orbital flight trajectory means

●     Alan’s advice to young people who dream of spaceflight

●     The role of studying English in a scientific career

●     Thinking about the size of the solar system and why Pluto matters

●     The geometry, physics, timing, and manpower involved in sending New Horizons to Pluto

●     The hibernation technique and what the New Horizons mission discovered about Pluto

●     Spaceflight traditions, superstitions, and the value of community

Our Favorite Quotes:

●     “Follow your heart. If it’s a burning desire, you can do anything. It doesn’t matter what it is—people excel at things they love and are driven to do.” - Alan Stern

●     “An important part of being a good scientist is writing and speaking. You have to know how to organize your thoughts into writing.” - Alan Stern

Connect with Alan Stern:

●     World View Space

●     Book: Chasing New Horizons: Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto

●     World View on LinkedIn

●     World View on Instagram

●     World View on Facebook

●     World View on Twitter

●     World View on YouTube

●     Alan Stern on LinkedIn

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Visit my website at kathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead!

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