• CERAWEEK 2025 | March 10-14, 2025
  • CERAWEEK
  • March 10 - 14, 2025

Franklin Chang Díaz

Ad Astra Rocket Company

Chief Executive Officer

A former NASA astronaut and veteran of 7 space missions, Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz is chairman and CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Company, a Texas based US aerospace firm developing high-power in-space electric propulsion. Ad Astra's Costa Rican subsidiary focuses on promoting decarbonization through the pioneering of 100% carbon-free green hydrogen technology for fuel cell electric vehicles and stationary power. Inducted in the US Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2012, Dr. Chang Díaz is a four-time recipient of NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal, the agency’s highest honor. He holds a PhD in applied plasma physics from MIT and a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut. He is an Adjunct Professor of Physics at Rice University and the University of Houston.

Sessions With Franklin Chang Díaz

Wednesday, 20 March