Becoming an astronaut feels like a faraway dream for most, but one student is taking deliberate, earthly steps to make it a reality. Hasaan Mohsin, a recent University of Toronto graduate, combined rigorous academic study with hands-on flight and space training, building a unique path toward a potential space career. His journey shows how passion, perseverance, and practical skills are key ingredients in reaching for the stars.
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Hasaan’s fascination with flight began early. At just four years old, his parents let him sit in a Boeing 777 simulator – a moment that sparked a lifelong ambition.
Young Hasaan Mohsin sitting in a Boeing 777 flight simulator, showing early interest in aviation.
Growing up in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Hasaan initially thought his space aspirations might be limited to theory. While both countries have space programs, opportunities for actual space travel are scarce. “If I can’t go to space, I can still study space from the ground,” he realized, setting his sights on astrophysics and research.
Building a Foundation at U of T
Choosing the University of Toronto, known for its strong programs, Hasaan pursued an Honours Bachelor of Science in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. During his studies, he dove into complex research, exploring topics like how stars interact with each other and analyzing the atmospheres of distant exoplanets – planets orbiting stars outside our solar system.
He even used machine learning for his capstone project to analyze which exoplanets might be habitable. This blend of theoretical knowledge and cutting-edge techniques formed a solid academic base for his ambitions.
Beyond academics, Hasaan actively immersed himself in the space community. He helped organize the Canadian Space Conference and joined student groups, sharing his passion by introducing people to telescopes and helping them marvel at celestial wonders. He even bought his own telescope to share views of eclipses with friends, creating lasting memories.
Adding Practical Skills: From Scuba to Pilot
Knowing that astronauts need more than just academic knowledge, Hasaan began acquiring practical skills. He got a scuba diving license, understanding the parallels between underwater and spacewalk environments.
Inspired by the rise of commercial space travel and figures like Canadian commercial astronaut Shawna Pandya, Hasaan saw new possibilities. He realized that hands-on flight experience would provide a crucial edge.
Last summer, while still a full-time student, Hasaan tackled the demanding challenge of earning his private pilot license at Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. It was intense – long hours studying, flying whenever possible, and squeezing in ground school at night. “There were several overwhelming moments,” he admits, but he pushed through.
His dedication paid off with his first solo flight over Toronto in October. It was a defining moment. “I truly felt like a pilot,” he recalls, describing the focus required and the smooth takeoff after months of practice.
Hasaan Mohsin standing proudly next to a small propeller airplane after completing pilot training.
Stepping into Astronaut Training
Armed with his diverse background – research, scuba, and flight – Hasaan took the next significant step: joining the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) for hands-on space technology training. He juggled his first IIAS course in Florida with his final university term, flying back just in time for his last exam.
His initial IIAS training focused on spacesuits. He learned about different suit types, life support systems, and the intricate process of putting one on – a procedure requiring four people and 30 minutes for him alone.
Hasaan Mohsin wearing a spacesuit during astronaut training at IIAS, practicing with life support systems.
He also underwent crucial hypoxia training in a hypobaric chamber, learning to recognize and manage the effects of low oxygen, like lightheadedness and losing color vision – vital skills for survival in a space emergency.
Hasaan Mohsin participating in hypoxia awareness training inside a hypobaric chamber, learning about low oxygen effects.
Back in the air, his pilot training proved invaluable during high-G aerobatic flight training at IIAS. Taking control of the plane over Cape Canaveral, he performed complex maneuvers, feeling “like dancing with physics.”
What’s Next?
Graduation isn’t the end of Hasaan’s journey, but a launchpad. He plans to continue his IIAS training, heading to Ottawa to design and test his own experiment on a microgravity flight. He’s also pursuing a research project aimed at improving spacesuit design.
Reflecting on his time at U of T, Hasaan feels it gave him more than just knowledge. “It gave me grit,” he says, crediting the challenging coursework and late nights for shaping his determination.
Hasaan Mohsin’s path demonstrates that pursuing an astronaut dream involves a unique blend of academic rigor, diverse practical skills, and sheer perseverance. His journey is a compelling example of reaching for the stars, one step at a time.
