NASA Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Richard Hang, AFRC

TL;DR

Richard Hang, a former refugee from Vietnam, fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a NASA engineer and shares his journey of resilience and determination.

Transcript

[ Music ] >> When I was in Vietnam, when I was really young in Vietnam, I was inspired by NASA space program. I really wish I can be an engineer or a worker for NASA but I know that this is impossible for me to become one. When I resettled here through the refugee resettlement program, I still thought that I cannot, you know have any chance to work... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Richard Hang's journey from a young dreamer in Vietnam to a NASA engineer showcases the power of resilience and determination.
• 🖐️ Education played a vital role in Richard's pursuit of his dreams, with him quitting his job to focus on earning an electrical engineering degree.
• 👨‍🔬 Richard's role at NASA involves implementing sensors and collecting data for various research projects.
• 😒 The use of real-time data transmission from aircraft to the ground enhances the ability to make timely decisions and adjustments.
• 👨‍🔬 NASA's projects, such as Traveler and Schlieren imaging technique, demonstrate ongoing innovation in aviation safety and research.
• 🏈 Richard's fulfillment of his childhood dream is a testament to the opportunities offered by the American dream and refugee resettlement programs.
• 💦 Richard's passion and dedication to his work at NASA contribute to the organization's mission and advancements in aerospace research.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Richard Hang to dream of working for NASA?

Richard's inspiration came from his fascination with the NASA space program when he was young in Vietnam. He wished to be part of it but considered it impossible until he resettled in the United States.

Q: How did Richard pursue his dream of becoming an engineer?

Richard quit his full-time job and enrolled at Long Beach City College, eventually transferring to CSU Long Beach to earn a degree in electrical engineering. He dedicated himself to education as the means to achieve his goals.

Q: What is Richard's role at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center?

Richard currently serves as the Chief of Sensor and System Development Branch in the Research and Engineering Directorate. His team is responsible for placing sensors around aircraft and equipment to collect data for research projects.

Q: Can real-time data be transmitted from the aircraft to the ground during flights?

Yes, in some cases, projects require real-time transmission of data from the aircraft to the control room on the ground. Engineers can view the data in real-time and make necessary adjustments or analysis.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Richard Hang, inspired by the NASA space program in Vietnam, never thought he could work for NASA until he resettled in the United States.

• He quit his full-time job to pursue his American dream of becoming an engineer, attending Long Beach City College and later transferring to CSU Long Beach for a degree in electrical engineering.

• Richard currently serves as the Chief of Sensor and System Development Branch at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, where he is involved in various projects using sensors and unmanned air vehicles.