Mike Mongo's latest update for The Astronaut Instruction Manual

Feb 10, 2015

Cuban Space Program: Astronaut teaching…in Havana.

Two weeks ago, the day before I turned 50, I left Miami, FL, for Havana, Cuba. Being a native-born Floridian, going to Cuba was something I had wanted to do for as long as I can remember remembering. For me, Cuba has always been “the forbidden land”. Growing up on South Florida for almost half my life, Cuban culture is largely my culture too: the name Mongo is Cuban.

While I have taught astronautics before classrooms and audiences of students and professionals from California to Haiti, teaching in Cuba seemed unattainable, beyond my grasp, only…a dream?

As I am still working through details of what I can and cannot discuss following this treasured opportunity—as I understand, I was the 1st-ever US American guest of the Primary School—I will share more in the future. But I am happy to report: With any luck, somewhere in this photo above may well be pictured the 1st-ever Cuban astronaut from Havana. 

And the reality is that because of its vicinity to the equator, Cuba is an excellent location for a spaceport. Cuban space program, indeed!

Needless to say, I am honored and grateful. Connecting with students all over the world and pointing a future with us all, this is why I am an astronaut teacher.

Keep up the good work, everyone, 
Mike
PS Oh yes! We are working on edited book galleys now. Samples to come!