All of NASA’s astronauts are incredible people, capable of performing elite-level tasks in challenging environments such as what one might experience on the International Space Station. But like most things, there’s always that one over-achiever out there who goes above and beyond what an average individual would do to experience life to its fullest.
Former NASA astronaut Scott Parazysnki could be described as one of those people. In addition to being a former spaceman and conducting what is perhaps one of the most dangerous spacewalk missions of all time, Parazysnki became the first NASA astronaut to tackle the incredible challenge of climbing to the top of Mount Everest in 2008.
Parazysnki initially attempted his hike to the top of Mount Everest in 2007 but was forced to retreat after sustaining a back injury. Upon recovering, he tried the climb again the very next Summer and succeeded. Ten years later, Italian astronaut Maurizio Cheli would become the second person to both fly in space and climb to the top of Mount Everest.
But Parazysnki’s strengths don’t stop at space exploration and mountain climbing; the retired astronaut also traveled the world and explored volcanoes, taking himself almost anywhere that might be considered an “adventure” or a “challenge.”
Today, Parazysnki heads a flight technology start-up for drones, an endeavor that presents an opportunity to bring a challenge together with technology.