Mark Kelly

On steering the path forward for research and innovation

- BY CLAIRE CAMERON

MARK KELLY IS A FORMER U.S. NAVY combat pilot and NASA astronaut who has served as a U.S. senator from Arizona since 2020.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. In 1996 Kelly was selected as an astronaut, and he has spent more than 50 days in space, traveling more than 20 million miles. He retired from NASA in 2011 after commanding Space Shuttle Endeavour on its final flight.

An edited transcript of the interview follows. For the full conversation, visit www.ScientificAmerican.com

How would you describe the current state of American science?

From a standpoint of still having great scientists and being the world’s best innovators and inventors, I would give us high marks. My concern is that we have some folks in government who don’t believe in science and don’t believe in the investments that need to be made for us to stay in that leadership position.