February 11

Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was born during the Lewis and Clark Expedition and was carried by his mother Sacagawea throughout the journey. As a young man, he traveled to Europe where he was presented as the 'Indian Prince'. He later worked as a fur trapper and mountain guide, leading expeditions in the Rocky Mountains. Charbonneau played a key role during the California Gold Rush as a camp interpreter and trader. He served as a guide in New Mexico, helping open routes across the Southwest. His life uniquely embodied the meeting of Native American and European cultures in early 19th-century America.

Vivian Fuchs studied geology at Cambridge University before serving in World War II as a geologist in the Middle East. In 1955, he organized and led the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, achieving the first land crossing of Antarctica in 1958. His team’s journey provided valuable scientific data on glaciology and polar geology. After the expedition, Fuchs served as director of the British Antarctic Survey, overseeing research stations and further expeditions. He was knighted and awarded the Patron's Medal of the Royal Geographical Society for his contributions to exploration. His book 'Of Ice and Men' details his Antarctic experiences and legacy.

Richard Mastracchio was born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1960 and earned degrees in aerospace engineering. He joined NASA in 1998 as a robotics flight controller before being selected as an astronaut candidate. Mastracchio flew on missions STS-106, STS-118, and Soyuz TMA-11M, spending over 161 days in space. He conducted six spacewalks totaling more than 37 hours for station assembly and maintenance. An expert in robotics and software systems, he led operations on the International Space Station. He received NASA Distinguished Service Medals and multiple Exceptional Service Medals. After retiring from NASA, he taught and consulted on aerospace technology and exploration. Mastracchio is recognized for his significant contributions to human spaceflight.