Clayton Anderson exhibit (Courtesy of SAC Aerospace Museum) That covers the space environment, history and future of space, spacecraft environmental control systems, ethics and teamwork. Though he and his wife have lived in the Houston area many years, he said he commuted to teach aerospace engineering to first-year students at Iowa State University. Known also as “Astro Clay,” Anderson has authored five books - three of them written for children about space. Programming is available for families, flight enthusiasts and historians. This summer, the museum will host youth camps on aerospace, drones, gaming, weird science, robotics and more. He said he wants to collaborate with all communities in the region to tell the “powerful story of Nebraska and America’s role in military command and its relationship with our nation’s aerospace exploration.” “So the tug to come home and help carry this museum forward the next 25 years was pretty strong.” He recalled the museum opening in 1998, the same year he was selected to become Nebraska’s first astronaut. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ‘Tug to come home’ Astronauts Clayton Anderson and Naoko Yamazaki at Kennedy Space Center in 2010, scheduled for a 13-day trip to the International Space Station. He has big plans as the museum approaches its 25th anniversary in 2023. “I can’t wait to be the face of the museum going forward,” Anderson said, adding that the opportunity to head the museum located about four miles from where he grew up is a culmination of a career dedicated to space exploration and education. He loves the interaction, he said, and hopes to build even more interactive programming into the museum. Questions abounded, especially when they learned his identity, he said, including the common query about “pooping in space.” It’s grown over the years, with additions including his Russian space and survival suits.Īnderson said he knew he was “in the right place” as he strolled through the museum on recent days talking to guests. He intends to keep that focus with all age groups and to help make the learning process even more entertaining.Īmong the features at the museum is an exhibit reflecting Anderson’s own space journeys and explorations. He said the museum’s mantra is to educate and inspire. “I want to excite young people and help them understand they’re just like me and can do great things if they persevere, work hard and believe in what they’re trying to do.” ‘Pooping in space’ Clayton Anderson, astronaut, new leader of SAC Aerospace Museum (Courtesy of Scott Dobry Photography) “I’m just a man who was raised in a small town community, with amazing people, teachers, coaches, neighbors and church friends who helped shape me into the man I am today. That’s the most important thing,” he told the Nebraska Examiner, in explaining his latest move. In his new role, Anderson said he looks forward to meeting as many Nebraskans as possible to not only expand the scope and reach of the museum, but also to show young people that dreams can come true. “Clay’s unique professional experiences align perfectly with the mission of the museum.” “The stars have aligned,” said Gary Gates, chair of the museum’s board of directors. He retired in 2013 from a NASA career that spanned three decades. The Hastings College and Iowa State University alum, who spent 167 days in space and was part of six spacewalks, now is charged with preserving and spreading the story of SAC, the Cold War and aerospace artifacts. In a fitting turn of events, Anderson, 63, has returned from the Houston area to become president and chief executive of the SAC Aerospace Museum, which is just off of Interstate 80 between Omaha and Lincoln. Clayton Anderson exhibit at SAC Aerospace Museum (Courtesy of museum) “When it dawns on them, and their faces change, it’s incredible,” said Anderson, who is resettling in his hometown of Ashland after decades away honing a career as Nebraska’s only astronaut. Clayton Anderson is energized when he chats it up with visitors at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum - and they suddenly realize they’re talking to the real-life space hero showcased in an exhibit.
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