FOSIM holds Distinguished Speaker Series with former NASA Astronaut

The Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM) has held its Distinguished Speaker Series with a former astronaut from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

FOSIM invited Captain Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper to deliver a talk at FOSIM as part of its Distinguished Speaker Series held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

Captain Heidemarie shared her remarkable experiences and inspirational journey as an astronaut during the address.

She also gave an insight into the relationship between the Maldives and the United States of America.

A mission specialist veteran of two space flights, STS-115 Atlantis in 2006 and STS-126 Endeavour in 2008, Captain Heidemarie was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in April 1996 and reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996.

Heidemarie, who is also an experienced salvage officer, recorded more than 27 days in space including 33 hours and 42 minutes of EVA in five spacewalks during her time as an astronaut.

She also has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, attained during 1984 and 1985 respectively.

Having completed training at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida as a Navy Basic Diving Officer and Salvage Officer, Heidemarie received her commission from the Navy in June 1985.

Further, the captain reported to the Naval Sea Systems Command as Underwater Ship Husbandry Operations Officer for the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving during September 1994 and in her capacity advised fleet diving activities in the repair of naval vessels while waterborne.

The former astronaut returned to the U.S. Navy after retiring from NASA in 2009 and currently works in the initiative to support STEM student groups to encourage future space explorers.

The Distinguished Speaker Series by FOSIM bring notable figures for sessions, both local and international.

It aims to create dialogue and debate on issues of strategic, and global importance among the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tuesday’s session was attended by senior ministry officials, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission to Maldives Andrea Appell and senior officials of the U.S. Embassy.