Indian-American astronaut Raja J. Chari nominated for a top post in the US Air Force
It is a known fact that USA is one of the most efficient nations when it comes to a country’s defence; with US Army, US Air Force, US Navy and various other intelligence and defence agencies working closely. So, you can understand, how being a part of any of these forces will be a big deal.
Turns out, an Indian-American astronaut named Raja J. Chari has recently been nominated by the US President Joe Biden for the prestigious post of US Air Force brigadier general. This has been revealed by the US State Department.
Sources cite that the final decision about the appointment will be made by the US Senate that is responsible for all senior civilian and military appointments.
Currently, Raja J. Chari is serving as the Crew-3 commander and astronaut of NASA at the Johnson Space Centre in Texas.
Now, for those interested to learn more about this great man, Chari was born in the Milwaukee region of the USA and was raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa. There, he attended Columbus High School in Waterloo. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Astronautical Engineering from the Colorado-based US Air Force Academy. He followed this up by earning a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT. Thereafter, he graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School in Maryland and underwent training in general command from the Kansas-based US Army Command and General Staff College.
Despite having so many notable degrees under his hat, Raja Chari is best known for his service as the Commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station that happened on 10th November 2021. There, he served as the leader of Expedition 66 and 67 before returning to the earth last year in May. In fact, in doing so, he became part of NASA’s third-longest commercial crew mission where he spent 177 days in the outer space with three other astronauts.
He has earned several accolades in his career. A few notable ones include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Aerial Achievement Medal. Interestingly, the US Air Force has already honoured Chari with the title of a colonel and is looking forward to have him as their brigadier general.
Raja Chari is now aged 45 years and is married to Holly Schaffter Chari.