What is an astronaut educator?

An astronaut educator is a professional who combines expertise in space science and education to promote understanding of space exploration and related STEM fields. They often conduct outreach programs, workshops, and presentations to inspire students and the public about space, science, and technology. Many astronaut educators have backgrounds as astronauts, scientists, or educators, allowing them to share firsthand experiences and insights about space missions. Their goal is to engage and motivate future generations to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.