Retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson spent 167 days in space over two missions (including a five-month stint on the International Space Station). Anderson (MS ’83 aerospace engineering) is currently a professor of practice at Iowa State, author, and motivational speaker.
How did your Iowa State experience shape who you’ve become – professionally and personally?
It gave me the work ethic I would need when I went to NASA. The coursework at Iowa State blew me out of the water. I was up late translating code and studying to pass exams. Aerospace engineering was a huge challenge for me, and I worked very hard in grad school. I put my head down, did what I was told, and did it to the best of my ability. I learned to be focused, do my job, and seek help when I needed it.
What was most unexpected about your experiences as an astronaut?
Competition was fierce. I watched people try to manipulate situations for visibility and opportunities. But that wasn’t me. I figured if I kept doing what I was supposed to do I’d come out ok. Parts of it were frustrating, depressing, and made me question if that was what I wanted to do. I spent a lot of time away from my family, and my wife sacrificed her career so I could have mine. We are hugely proud of the fact that we did it together.
What are people surprised to learn about you?
I play piano and am a vocalist. I have also written some songs. My friend Clayton Anderson (a successful songwriter and performer) and I met in Nashville and ended up writing a song together called “Brighter in the Dark.” I am hoping he will record it in the future.
What does being an Iowa Stater mean to you?
There’s a strong work ethic in the Midwest. I’m a big advocate for my home state of Nebraska and Iowa because of that work ethic and the accompanying positive morality Midwesterners exhibit. I also think Iowa Staters (and Midwesterners) are well rounded. Academics, athletics, and civic organizations are all hugely important and make folks better citizens.