Astronaut Frank Rubio highlights his Salvadoran roots during a visit to the country

After 25 years, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Frank Rubio returns to El Salvador, the country where he lived the first six years of his life.

“It is a pleasure to be here again, in the country of my family, of my mother. It is the first time I have been here in more than 25 years,” Rubio said this Monday at a press conference organized by the US embassy in El Savior.

In addition to being an astronaut, Rubio is a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. Despite being born in the North American country, he points out that Salvadoran culture is part of his roots. “These are traits I always carry.”

Rubio returned to El Salvador to meet with the scientific and technological sectors, and talk about the experiments he carried out during the 371 years he was aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

“This week I will have the opportunity to speak with people who are building growth in science… Creating opportunities so that Salvadoran youth can, in the near future, explore space depends on the unity and work of Salvadorans,” he said.

Rubio is the astronaut who has spent the most time in space. Initially, the mission that should have lasted six months, 180 days, extended to 371 due to a coolant leak in the Soyuz capsule, which was to return it to Earth.

Upon arrival at Little Thumb of Americaas El Salvador is popularly known, Rubio mentioned his childhood, remembering that he lived the first six years of his life in the department of La Unión with his grandmother.

“What I remember most is the time with my grandmother. She was a teacher and we walked to school together. She taught me to read (Spanish). She taught me to love reading and that has helped me a lot in my career. That is a very important memory in my life,” she said.

In February, the American astronaut of Salvadoran descent received the Army Astronaut Badgeone of the most unique granted by the US Army, currently in the hands of only two other active military personnel.

Rubio graduated as a helicopter pilot and military doctor before entering NASA's space program in 2017. He has been on missions in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I would love to help, support the youth, El Salvador, but my focus for now is to continue my work at NASA and be prepared for the next mission. The best thing I can do is be prepared for the next mission,” he said. .

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