By Monsi A. Serrano
Curiosity about how the universe works led Dr. Christer Fuglesang to turn out to be Sweden’s first astronaut — a journey that finally took him to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery and to the International Space Station.
In an unique interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS throughout his first go to to the Philippines, Fuglesang shared insights on science, humanity’s place within the universe, and the rising function of satellites and worldwide cooperation in shaping the long run.
For the veteran astronaut, the trail to space started not with a childhood dream of changing into an astronaut, however with a fascination for physics.
“I’ve always liked to understand how the world works, particularly physics,” Fuglesang mentioned.
Rather than aiming immediately for space, he pursued what he loved finding out. That curiosity later opened an sudden door when the European Space Agency introduced it was looking for new astronauts.
“I thought, okay, I have to apply,” he recalled. “And I was lucky in the end to be selected.”
Advice to Filipino youth
Fuglesang inspired Filipino college students who aspire to succeed in space to give attention to science, expertise, engineering, and arithmetic.
“Study STEM,” he mentioned. “All professional astronauts have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, or medicine.”
But tutorial excellence alone just isn’t sufficient, he added.
“It’s also important to do other things. Be social, develop different interests, and enjoy what you’re doing,” he mentioned. “Even if you don’t become an astronaut, you can still have a wonderful and exciting life.”
Seeing Earth from space
Having seen Earth from orbit, Fuglesang mentioned astronauts typically really feel a duty to share a strong message concerning the planet.
“When you look at Earth from space, you don’t see borders,” he defined.
According to Fuglesang, astronauts working collectively aboard the International Space Station reveal how worldwide cooperation can transcend political boundaries.
“We work together in space to solve problems. We should do the same on Earth,” he mentioned.
From orbit, the planet seems fragile — a skinny environment defending the one identified world able to supporting life.
“Earth is like a spacecraft for all humanity in a huge universe,” he mentioned. “It’s the only place we know that is alive, so we must take care of it.”
Per Aspera, Ad Astra: Waiting 14 years for spaceflight
Fuglesang’s journey to space required endurance.
After being chosen as an astronaut, he waited 14 and a half years earlier than flying on his first mission.
Part of the delay was brought on by the tragic Space Shuttle Columbia catastrophe, when the shuttle broke aside throughout re-entry in 2003, forcing the space program to pause operations.
Despite the lengthy wait and the dangers concerned, Fuglesang mentioned he by no means thought of giving up.
“Not even my family ever tried to tell me to stop,” he mentioned.
Satellites shaping on a regular basis life
The astronaut additionally highlighted how space expertise is already reworking life on Earth.
Today, round 15,000 operational satellites orbit the planet — about ten occasions greater than 20 years in the past.
These satellites assist communication techniques, navigation, catastrophe monitoring, and local weather analysis.
“In the future, you may even connect your mobile phone directly to satellites,” Fuglesang mentioned, noting that such expertise might permit communication even in distant areas or in the midst of the ocean.
Satellite information can be serving to scientists higher perceive local weather change, monitor agricultural manufacturing, and assess the affect of pure disasters.
He famous that a lot of this information is freely accessible, creating alternatives for entrepreneurs and companies to develop revolutionary purposes.
Opportunities for the Philippines
Fuglesang additionally pointed to the significance of worldwide cooperation in space exploration.
Because space missions are costly and technically demanding, nations typically pool their assets to pursue formidable initiatives such because the International Space Station and the U.S.-led Artemis Program, which goals to return people to the Moon.
For the Philippines, he mentioned the technique of creating satellites by worldwide partnerships is a constructive step.
Over the previous decade, the nation has launched a number of satellites as a part of collaborative applications with overseas companions.
Fuglesang suggested Filipino scientists and policymakers to proceed constructing their very own satellites whereas collaborating in worldwide initiatives.
“You have to learn by doing,” he mentioned. “Building your own satellites, even student satellites, is a very good way to develop expertise.”
At the identical time, he mentioned collaboration with different nations ensures entry to cutting-edge expertise and scientific data.
A lesson from space
Asked about an important lesson space exploration has taught him about humanity, Fuglesang pointed to the long-lasting picture of Earth rising above the lunar horizon throughout the Apollo 8 mission.
“When astronauts went to the Moon, they discovered the Earth,” he mentioned.
From space, the planet seems as a small blue dot in an immense universe — a reminder of each humanity’s insignificance and its shared duty.
“It is our spacecraft,” Fuglesang mentioned of Earth. “And we must take care of it.”
A heat welcome within the Philippines
Visiting the Philippines for the primary time, Fuglesang mentioned he has been impressed by the nation’s folks and pure magnificence.
“I’ve met so many friendly people,” he mentioned, noting the distinction between Sweden’s chilly climate and the Philippines’ tropical local weather.
An avid sailor, Fuglesang added that he hopes to return at some point to discover the nation’s 1000’s of islands by sea.
“With so many islands here,” he mentioned with a smile, “I would love to come back and sail.”