Johann-Dietrich Wörner, known as “Jan”, was the outgoing Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) when this episode was recorded. In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, part of the Diversity in the Space Industry series, Jan discusses how diversity has played a role in his life and how diversity will be the future of space.
They also cover what ESA is, ESA recruiting European astronauts, moving to Japan and gaining perspective on diversity, his time as president of Technische Universität Darmstadt, political diversity in ESA, women in space, encouraging young people to pursue STEM and what diversity could look like when we get to Mars.
What you will hear in this episode
What the European Space Agency is, and ESA recruiting European astronauts
Diversity and inclusivity in ESA
Jan’s background, and how diversity has been part of that journey
Moving to Japan and gaining perspective on diversity
Political diversity in ESA
Being an educator
Jan’s personal opinion of diversity in the space industry
Women in space
Encouraging young people to pursue STEM
Predictions for the future of space, and what diversity could look like on Mars
What Jan would change about the space industry
Follow Johann-Dietrich Wörner
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More episodes: Athena Brensberger on space communication | Loretta Whitesides on Yuri’s Night | All Astro Ben Podcast episodes
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