Joseph M. Acaba

Joseph M. Acaba is an American educator, hydrogeologist, and NASA astronaut. In May 2004, he became the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be named as a NASA astronaut candidate, when he was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 19. He has since completed his training and is now a veteran of two space missions.

Early life and education

Joseph Michael Acaba was born on May 17, 1967, in Inglewood, California, to parents of Puerto Rican descent. He graduated from Esperanza High School in Anaheim, California, in 1985, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1990. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Arizona in 1992.

Career

After completing his education, Acaba worked as a hydrogeologist in Los Angeles, California, primarily on Superfund sites, and also spent time as a reservist with the United States Marine Corps. In 1998, he joined the United States Peace Corps and served in the Dominican Republic until 2000.

In 2000, Acaba began his teaching career as a high school science teacher at Melbourne High School in Melbourne, Florida. In 2003, he became a middle school math and science teacher at the Annie Fisher Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut.

NASA career

In May 2004, Acaba was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 19, becoming the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be named as a NASA astronaut candidate. He completed his training in February 2006.

Acaba first flew in space as a mission specialist of the STS-119 crew that launched on March 15, 2009, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. During the mission, Acaba performed two spacewalks, totaling 12 hours and 57 minutes.

In 2012, Acaba flew on the Soyuz TMA-04M mission to the International Space Station (ISS), serving as a flight engineer for Expedition 31 and Expedition 32. He returned to Earth on September 17, 2012.

Personal life

Acaba is a member of the American Geophysical Union and the Association for the Advancement of Science. He enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and traveling.

See also

• List of Hispanic astronauts
• List of University of California, Santa Barbara alumni
• List of University of Arizona alumni