Franklin Chang, a Costa Rican Astronaut, to Be in Hall of Fame
First reported May 2012 · Updated October 28, 2026
May 2012 | Costa Rica
Costa Rican-born astronaut and physicist Franklin Chang-Díaz has earned a place in the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame after a career that included seven NASA space-shuttle missions. His induction took place in May 2012.
The distinction places Chang-Díaz among astronauts recognized for major contributions to American human spaceflight. For Costa Rica, it also marks a milestone in the story of a scientist who grew up in San José and built an international career in engineering, physics and space exploration.
Seven flights and a record-setting career
Chang-Díaz first flew in space aboard the shuttle Columbia in January 1986, on mission STS-61-C. Over his NASA career he worked on seven shuttle missions, tying the then-record number of shuttle flights also achieved by astronaut Jerry Ross.
His assignments included science and satellite operations, work connected with the Russian Mir space station and the International Space Station. His final shuttle flight, STS-111 in 2002, included spacewalks and work on the orbiting laboratory.
Chang-Díaz was born in Costa Rica and later became a naturalized United States citizen. His career has made him an especially prominent figure for students interested in mathematics, engineering and science in Central America.
The Hall of Fame recognition was shared with fellow astronauts Kevin Chilton and Charles Precourt. All three had served in the shuttle program and had extensive flight or leadership experience.
The induction in Florida
Costa Rican media reported in January 2012 that Chang-Díaz had been selected for the honor. The ceremony was held at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida in May of that year. A May 2012 report from La Nación described Costa Ricans attending with national flags and Chang-Díaz expressing gratitude to his family and to people who helped him pursue his ambitions.
NASA’s own biography records the induction date as May 4, 2012, and the public ceremonies took place over May 4 and 5.
What happened next
After retiring from NASA in 2005, Chang-Díaz continued developing the VASIMR plasma propulsion concept through Ad Astra Rocket Company. The company has worked on advanced space-propulsion research in Houston and on clean-energy and hydrogen-related technologies in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Those projects extend his public role well beyond his shuttle flights. They also connect a familiar national achievement, a Costa Rican reaching space, to the country’s continuing interest in research and technical education.
Questions and answers
When was Franklin Chang-Díaz inducted? NASA lists May 4, 2012, with public induction events reported that May.
How many times did he fly in space? Seven space-shuttle missions.
What did he work on after NASA? Among other projects, he developed the VASIMR plasma propulsion concept through Ad Astra Rocket Company.