241: Through These Doors - Danny Jaques
Ever wonder what it takes to inspire over 500 students to reach for the stars?
In this episode of Through These Doors, Chris Key, Josh Whitfield, and Beth Mund sit down with Danny Jaques, a Space Camp Hall of Fame inductee and passionate educator dedicated to inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
Danny’s journey is one of relentless determination. From bringing hundreds of students from Ignacio, Colorado, to Space Camp, to launching his own space-themed salsa company, Danny’s story is filled with creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his mission: getting humanity to Mars.
During the conversation, Danny shares the challenges of raising funds to send students from a small rural community to Space Camp and the joy of watching them light up as they experience the wonders of space exploration. He also dives into his personal passion for Mars, discussing the importance of dreaming big and how Space Camp plays a crucial role in nurturing those dreams.
Whether you’re a space enthusiast, an educator, or someone who loves a good story of perseverance and innovation, this episode inspires you to think outside the box and reach for your own stars.
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About:
Danny Jaques
Danny Jaques grew up on a ranch near Ignacio, Colorado, where his fascination with space began as he watched the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Though raised in a farming family, Danny's passion for space led him to a career in science education.
After an inspiring visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Danny made it his mission to share the wonders of space with his students. Over the years, he has chaperoned more than 500 students to Space Camp and was honored with induction into the Space Camp Hall of Fame in 2010.
In 2018, Danny founded Danny’s Rocket Ranch, a small business specializing in dehydrated products, including a unique salsa perfect for Earth and beyond. Committed to supporting future generations of space explorers, Danny’s Rocket Ranch donates a portion of its profits to Space Camp scholarships.
Have you attended Space Camp or been inspired by similar stories? We’d love to hear about it!
Share your story with us on social media using:
#CasualSpace and #ThroughTheseDoors.
Interested in Space Camp?
Visit:
https://www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp
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