Farid.. First Egyptian Astronaut at German Space Agency

Ahmed Farid is considered as the first Egyptian astronaut to join German Space Agency.

Farid is a successful Egyptian model although he is still in his 30's; he has made great steps in his journey and reached to important positions in international institutions.

The Egyptian astronaut explained that his journey was not easy. He started from Egypt and was selected for IBM's global grant among 4,500 applicants. This gave him an experience in computer science and technology management fields .

He was able to prove his ability and efficiency, prompting the Germans to give him the opportunity until he assumed his current position- "a space Microcontroller" at German space agency.

Farid faced many obstacles, including language, different cultures, stereotyping.

Despite that, he participated in many successful space projects such as; shuttle Atlantis launch, along his work at the International Space Station. He also chairs an African group of space experts from South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria and Ghana, and worked at International Space Science Federation .

He added that space science could contribute in inventing small satellites for specialized uses such as; analyzing bacteria in water by lower cost and higher accuracy to avoid the risks and threats of diseases which threaten millions of lives. This, in addition to floods forecasting and corrosion effects .

Noteworthy, Farid is attempting to transfer his experience to Egypt and hopes to build an Egyptian space station.

contributed by: Ahmed Yasser.