‘Representation Matters’: Vanderbilt doctor to become ‘first’ Nashvillian to go outer space
The cardiologist applied for NASA’s astronaut program five times and was denied, despite becoming a finalist twice.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Nashville man will make history when he becomes the first known person from the city to go outer space.
He will be on a mission with five other people from across the world.
Growing up, Eiman Jahangir had always dreamed of having this opportunity.
“Just like any kid you wanna be an astronaut, ”Jahangir recalled.
After fleeing Iran as a child, Jahangir had his mind set on, one day, becoming an astronaut.
Despite applying with NASA five times, he was denied each time. Meanwhile, he continued to work in health care as a cardiologist with Vanderbilt Health.
In the midst of his duties with patients, he never lost sight of his goal.
“That’s how you know you’re actually passionate about something,” Jahangir said. “Even the hard parts, even the rejections, don’t knock you down because you’re enjoying the path and you enjoy meeting people.”
The Metro Public Schools graduate would end up getting a breakthrough opportunity to go outer space, after being selected by MOONDAO.
The organization aims to decentralize and democratize access to space. He was chosen out more than more than 2,200 applicants from across the world.
Jahangir and the other will make their journey aboard Blue Origin during a commercial space mission, and he doesn’t take it for granted.
“For me being a public high school graduate, being able to show kids we can do anything we want, right?” Jahangir explained. “It doesn’t matter where you go to school, what city you’re in. Representation matters.”
No date has been announced for when Jahangir will take off, but it could happen soon. This is also expected to be a day trip.
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