--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I wanted to become an astronaut because I…" description: "\"I wanted to become an astronaut because I believe that the exploration of space by humans is extremely important.\" — Shannon Walker" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/950/shannon-walker-11423_astronaut_i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because_71495.jpg" --- # I wanted to become an astronaut because I believe that the… ![“I wanted to become an astronaut because I believe that the exploration of space by humans is extremely important.” quote by Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/950/shannon-walker-11423_astronaut_i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because_71495.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/950/shannon-walker-11423_astronaut_i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because_71495.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/950/shannon-walker-11423_astronaut_i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because_71495.jpg) > “I wanted to become an astronaut because I believe that the exploration of space by humans is extremely important.” [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Space exploration is essential for humanity's growth, knowledge, and future survival. **In simple terms:** Human space travel drives progress. Key Takeaway Explore to advance civilization. Themes Exploration Human Potential Science Future Inspiration Mood Aspirational Determined Type Personal motivation Visionary statement When to use this quote - Career decision - Motivational speech - Educational outreach - Policy advocacy Key Concepts Curiosity Risk-taking Innovation Practical Applications - Inspiring STEM education - Justifying space funding Questions to Reflect On - Why does space matter beyond Earth? - How can individuals contribute to exploration? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Astronaut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/astronaut/) [Exploration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exploration/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/) [Travel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/travel/) ## Related quotes > [Cooperating in something as visible as space exploration and space flight can only improve relations between the two countries because what happens is, you're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leroy-chiao/cooperating-in-something-as-visible-as-space-exploration-and-space/) [Leroy Chiao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leroy-chiao/) > [Like a lot of kids, I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up. With me, it stuck more than most kids. Ever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/like-a-lot-of-kids-i-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut-when-i-grew-up-with-me/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [It's clear that the only thing that is inhibiting us from doing further human exploration of space is money and the will to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heidi-hammel/it-s-clear-that-the-only-thing-that-is-inhibiting-us-from-doing/) [Heidi Hammel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heidi-hammel/) > [There's a certain romanticism associated with exploration of space, which is one of the major factors why we'll continue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mccain/there-s-a-certain-romanticism-associated-with-exploration-of-space/) [John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mccain/) > [The exploration of space: Be it by humans or robots, based on the best choice for the mission and the most efficient means to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-tumlinson/the-exploration-of-space-be-it-by-humans-or-robots-based-on-the-best/) [Rick Tumlinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-tumlinson/) > [There was a small window when I wanted to be an astronaut. It may have coincided with not getting cast in a high school…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-j-adams/there-was-a-small-window-when-i-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut-it-may-have/) [Patrick J. Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-j-adams/) > [There was a point in my life where I either wanted to be an astronaut, an actor, a veterinarian, or a pirate. I just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-bett-rickards/there-was-a-point-in-my-life-where-i-either-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut/) [Emily Bett Rickards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-bett-rickards/) > [I always wanted to be an astronaut.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-quaid/i-always-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut/) [Dennis Quaid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-quaid/) > [I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. I grew up in Houston. Gordo Cooper was my favorite astronaut.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-quaid/i-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut-when-i-was-a-kid-i-grew-up-in-houston/) [Dennis Quaid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-quaid/) > [I wanted to be an astronaut and wanted to go to space camp, but then I found out that I was too short to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/soleil-moon-frye/i-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut-and-wanted-to-go-to-space-camp-but-then-i/) [Soleil Moon Frye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/soleil-moon-frye/) > [I first told my parents that I wanted to be an astronaut when I was 3 years old.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-mcclain/i-first-told-my-parents-that-i-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut-when-i-was-3/) [Anne McClain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-mcclain/) > [Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to be an astronaut.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/drew-van-acker/ever-since-i-was-a-kid-i-always-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut/) Drew Van Acker > [Clearly, when I first started talking about the fact that I wanted to be an astronaut, I was in primary school, so people understand…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julie-payette/clearly-when-i-first-started-talking-about-the-fact-that-i-wanted-to/) [Julie Payette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julie-payette/) > [I wanted to become president, and I wanted to become an astronaut. Because I was really good at math.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-embiid/i-wanted-to-become-president-and-i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut/) [Joel Embiid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-embiid/) > [At the age of six, I declared that I wanted to be an astronaut. My mother thought that was just fine, as it would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-m-grunsfeld/at-the-age-of-six-i-declared-that-i-wanted-to-be-an-astronaut-my/) [John M. Grunsfeld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-m-grunsfeld/) ## More by Shannon Walker > [The Soyuz is probably only slightly smaller than the Dragon.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/the-soyuz-is-probably-only-slightly-smaller-than-the-dragon/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [Most of my family and friends are very familiar with the human space flight program and with the excitement of becoming an astronaut.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/most-of-my-family-and-friends-are-very-familiar-with-the-human-space/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [I don't really have a lot of anxieties.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-don-t-really-have-a-lot-of-anxieties/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [Houston's a very big town. It's changed a lot over my lifetime, it's quite a bit bigger now than it was when I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/houston-s-a-very-big-town-it-s-changed-a-lot-over-my-lifetime-it-s/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [I think one of the ways that we can fight against climate change is keep showing what we're doing to the planet, and we've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-think-one-of-the-ways-that-we-can-fight-against-climate-change-is/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [One thing I really like about flying is that it is an activity that my mother and I can do together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/one-thing-i-really-like-about-flying-is-that-it-is-an-activity-that/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [When I was in high school we had the first shuttle launch, and it reinvigorated my enthusiasm for the space program. I was in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/when-i-was-in-high-school-we-had-the-first-shuttle-launch-and-it/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [I'm one who likes to eat regularly, so not being able to eat for eight hours makes me a little cranky.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-m-one-who-likes-to-eat-regularly-so-not-being-able-to-eat-for-eight/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [I was having a hard time getting interest from future employers because of my physics background. It seemed all anyone wanted was engineers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-was-having-a-hard-time-getting-interest-from-future-employers/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [When your flying in a jet aircraft, everything goes much faster.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/when-your-flying-in-a-jet-aircraft-everything-goes-much-faster/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [I can talk about casting a ballot from space since I did it last time I was on the space station. They basically send…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-can-talk-about-casting-a-ballot-from-space-since-i-did-it-last-time/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [During and after college, I did a lot of biking and bike touring.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/during-and-after-college-i-did-a-lot-of-biking-and-bike-touring/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [I studied physics as an undergraduate, and after I graduated from Rice University, I was actually hired at the Johnson Space Center as a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-studied-physics-as-an-undergraduate-and-after-i-graduated-from-rice/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [To be able to watch our colleagues, our friends come home safely is always an emotional event.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/to-be-able-to-watch-our-colleagues-our-friends-come-home-safely-is/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) > [I'm so proud to represent my hometown on the International Space Station where we conduct scientific research that can benefit all of humankind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-m-so-proud-to-represent-my-hometown-on-the-international-space/) [Shannon Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) [Explore all 60 Shannon Walker quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/) ## More Astronaut quotes > [I went to school at night in L.A. to brush up on my engineering while I applied to the astronaut program. I really did…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mae-jemison/i-went-to-school-at-night-in-l-a-to-brush-up-on-my-engineering-while/) [Mae Jemison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mae-jemison/) > ['You spin in the sky, the world spins under you, and you step from land to land, while we . . .' She turned…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-r-delany/you-spin-in-the-sky-the-world-spins-under-you-and-you-step-from-land/) [Samuel R. Delany](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-r-delany/) > [I think the astronaut job is the best job in the world. I realized when I was older and started applying for it that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-j-massimino/i-think-the-astronaut-job-is-the-best-job-in-the-world-i-realized/) [Michael J. Massimino](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-j-massimino/) > [NASA is developing space taxis to shuttle astronauts to the International Space Station. And just like New York taxis, they're all going to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-fallon/nasa-is-developing-space-taxis-to-shuttle-astronauts-to-the/) [Jimmy Fallon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-fallon/) > [I stayed in the astronaut program until 1993. People ask me why I left. I thought I had a lot of things to contribute…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mae-jemison/i-stayed-in-the-astronaut-program-until-1993-people-ask-me-why-i-left/) [Mae Jemison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mae-jemison/) > [“Sometimes when people find out I’m an astronaut, they ask, “So what do you do when you’re not flying in space?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hadfield/sometimes-when-people-find-out-i-m-an-astronaut-they-ask-so-what-do/) [Chris Hadfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hadfield/) > [Rugby has surprisingly helped me a lot as an astronaut and when I'm training in the space suit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-mcclain/rugby-has-surprisingly-helped-me-a-lot-as-an-astronaut-and-when-i-m/) [Anne McClain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-mcclain/) > [As a former Apollo astronaut, I think it's safe to say that SpaceX and the other commercial developers embody the 21st century version of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rusty-schweickart/as-a-former-apollo-astronaut-i-think-it-s-safe-to-say-that-spacex-and/) [Rusty Schweickart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rusty-schweickart/) > [My optimism and confidence come not from feeling I'm luckier than other mortals, and they sure don't come from visualizing victory. They're the result…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hadfield/my-optimism-and-confidence-come-not-from-feeling-i-m-luckier-than/) [Chris Hadfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hadfield/) > [“My experiences in the Astronaut Corps had taught me that you never know what will happen from day to day. It’s best to experience…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leland-melvin/my-experiences-in-the-astronaut-corps-had-taught-me-that-you-never/) [Leland Melvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leland-melvin/) > [As a kid, I knew I wanted to be either a cartoonist or an astronaut. The latter was never much of a possibility, as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-watterson/as-a-kid-i-knew-i-wanted-to-be-either-a-cartoonist-or-an-astronaut/) [Bill Watterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-watterson/) > [I think it's good to have competition. Now we have a third country that can launch astronauts, so it's good for all of us.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leroy-chiao/i-think-it-s-good-to-have-competition-now-we-have-a-third-country/) [Leroy Chiao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leroy-chiao/) > [I was told when I grew up I could be anything I wanted: a fireman, a policeman, a doctor – even President, it seemed.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hicks/i-was-told-when-i-grew-up-i-could-be-anything-i-wanted-a-fireman-a/) [Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hicks/) > [The Earth was small, light blue, and so touchingly alone, our home that must be defended like a holy relic. The Earth was absolutely…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexey-leonov/the-earth-was-small-light-blue-and-so-touchingly-alone-our-home-that/) Alexey Leonov > [“Whilst my mother couldn't give me access to the world, she at least made sure to let me know it existed. A kid cannot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trevor-noah/whilst-my-mother-couldn-t-give-me-access-to-the-world-she-at-least/) [Trevor Noah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/trevor-noah/) [Browse all 463 Astronaut quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/astronaut/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I wanted to become an astronaut because I believe that the exploration of space by humans is extremely important.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Shannon Walker" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because-i-believe-that-the/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Astronaut" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because-i-believe-that-the/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/950/shannon-walker-11423_astronaut_i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because_71495.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/950/shannon-walker-11423_astronaut_i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because_71495.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/950/shannon-walker-11423_astronaut_i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because_71495.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I wanted to become an astronaut because I believe that the exploration of space by humans is extremely…” — Shannon Walker", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Shannon Walker", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-walker/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I wanted to become an astronaut...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because-i-believe-that-the/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-walker/i-wanted-to-become-an-astronaut-because-i-believe-that-the/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```