Astronaut candidate's profile
The candidates participating in the astronaut selection process all have unique journeys and outstanding qualities and skills. You can read their remarkable profiles here.
Kolubinski, Lesha
Where were you born?
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Where do you currently live?
Seattle, Washington, USA
Education
- Bachelor's, aerospace engineering – Ryerson University
- Master's, aerospace engineering – Ryerson University
- Diploma & commercial multi-engine pilot licence with IFR endorsement – Seneca College's School of Aviation and Flight Technology
Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)
What is your current job?
Flight test engineer - Flight test engineers work closely with aircraft engineers and flight test pilots to validate the design and behaviour of a developmental/experimental aircraft. This includes reviewing test requirements, drafting test procedures, planning test flights and conducting hazard analysis for test flights. We also support test flights, either onboard with the flight test pilots or as part of a team through telemetry. This requires a broad understanding of the aircraft and its operation, including issues and restrictions that may be in place due to the development towards the final product.
Why do you want to become an astronaut?
Aerospace engineering is essentially creative scientific solutions to further push our boundaries for anything "aero" related. This has been a passion of mine since I first took control of an aircraft in flight. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. The more I do, the more I want to keep doing! As an astronaut I would be able to "learn" and "do" some of the most amazing things that aerospace engineering has to offer!