Faith Among the Stars: General Kevin Chilton's Journey to Space

At the SENT Summit 2024, General Kevin Chilton captivated the audience with a deeply personal account of his unique journey—a journey that took him from a boy fascinated by flight to an astronaut carrying the Eucharist into space. His story is not just about the milestones of an illustrious career but also about the profound intersections of faith, duty, and the awe-inspiring experience of seeing Earth from Space.

Early Inspirations: A Childhood Filled with Faith and Flight

Growing up in Southern California, just a mile north of Los Angeles International Airport, Chilton was immersed in the world of aviation from a young age. Attending Visitation Grammar School and St. Bernard's High School—both located near the airport's runways—he developed an early fascination with airplanes.

"I would lay on my back and watch airplanes take off," Chilton recalled. "These magical devices made of metal, full of people, flying over my head—it instilled in me a sense of wonder about flight."

His parents were the foundational pillars of his faith and aspirations. His mother, originally raised in the Mormon faith, converted to Catholicism when she married his father, a devout Catholic. "My mother was like most converts who convert in their adult years—they're all in and very devout," he noted. His parents ensured that all four of their children received a Catholic education, further cementing the role of faith in his life.

Providential Moments: The Road to the Air Force Academy

At the age of 12, a chance encounter set the course for his future. After a spontaneous decision to join his friend Bill for a trip to Manhattan Beach, Chilton met Bill's older brother, Dan, who was home from college.

"I asked Dan where he went to college, and he said, 'I go to the Air Force Academy,'" Chilton recounted. Upon learning that the academy would teach him to fly jets and even pay him to attend, Chilton was sold. "That day, in the back of the Toomey mobile on the way to Manhattan Beach, I decided that's where I was going to go to college."

This moment was one of several Chilton described as "providential," doors that God opened for him to step through. These moments, he believes, are instances where divine will intersects with personal choice, guiding one toward their destiny.

Embracing Engineering and the Skies

Initially considering a major in geography, Chilton's academic path shifted after he took his first engineering class at the Air Force Academy. "I fell in love with engineering," he said. "I realized that I could use math not just to solve puzzles but to build dams, bridges, airplanes, and even rocket ships."

His newfound passion led him to become a test pilot, a role that married his love for flying with his engineering skills. It was during his time as a test pilot that he met his future wife, Cathy, who was one of the few women in the program and an exceptional engineer.

The Astronaut Years: A Journey Beyond Earth

Although initially uninterested in becoming an astronaut, Chilton eventually applied to NASA to continue flying rather than be assigned a desk job at the Pentagon. He joined NASA's astronaut program in 1987 and began rigorous training for space missions.

It was during this period that he had a conversation with a colleague, David Low, who mentioned taking the Eucharist into space. "I thought, 'Oh my gosh, that sounds so beautiful.' I decided that when I flew, I would try to do the same thing," Chilton said.

Carrying the Eucharist into Space: An Act of Faith

Before his first mission, Chilton approached his pastor, Father Tom, with an unusual request—to take the Eucharist with him into space. Despite the last-minute nature of the request and the fact that Chilton was not yet a Eucharistic Minister, Father Tom agreed, quipping, "Paperwork to follow."

Chilton described the profound responsibility and honor of carrying the Eucharist: "It was like holding the most precious thing on planet Earth. I never let it leave my side."

He prepared for his missions not just physically and mentally but also spiritually. "I went to confession, received the Eucharist at Mass, and even had a Mass on the beach at the Kennedy Space Center," he shared.

Moments of Spiritual Revelation Among the Stars

One of the most striking anecdotes Chilton shared was his first orbital sunrise. After reaching orbit, he mistook the curvature of the Earth for a crack in the shuttle's window. His commander corrected him, and as he watched, the sun rose over the horizon in a display of unparalleled beauty.

"It was the brightest, whitest light I've ever seen, juxtaposed against the blackness of space," he said. "I immediately thought of the Transfiguration of our Lord."

Another profound moment occurred during his second mission. Alongside fellow Catholic astronauts Sid Gutierrez and Tom Jones, Chilton shared the Eucharist while orbiting Earth. "As I placed the host on my tongue, I felt this incredible heat in my face," he recounted. At that exact moment, the sun burst through the window, illuminating them. "All three of us started to cry. It was such an emotional moment."

Reflecting on the Real Presence and the Power of Faith

Chilton expressed deep concern over statistics indicating that only 30% of practicing Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He emphasized the importance of faith, comparing it to trusting an airplane to fly without understanding the mechanics fully.

"Why did I believe in the Eucharist? Because the Sisters of Charity told me it was, and I believed them. My parents told me it was, and I believed them," he said. "I have to take that on faith, and I've got to stop spending time trying to prove it. I just have to believe it."

He also touched on the humbling perspective of seeing Earth from space, realizing the vastness of humanity and God's love for each individual. "I thought about the six million people under my thumb as I looked down at Los Angeles," he said. "God loves every one of those people individually. It was an incredibly humbling moment for me."

A Message of Hope

Concluding his talk, Chilton reflected on the significance of carrying the Eucharist into space. "I would have loved to have taken my wife and kids because it's so much fun up there, but I couldn't," he said. "But I found out I could take the Lord with me in my heart."

He emphasized that his experiences in space deepened his faith and offered him a unique perspective on God's creation and love. "The opportunity to receive the Body of Christ while looking down on our Lord's great creation was indescribable," he shared. "He was a great crewmate."

Conclusion

General Kevin Chilton's journey is a testament to the intertwining paths of faith and vocation. His stories from space are not just about the marvels of the universe but also about the intimate moments of connection with God that transcend earthly boundaries. His experiences challenge us to reflect on our own faith journeys, the providential moments that shape our lives, and the mysteries that call for our belief even when they surpass our understanding.

By sharing his story, Chilton invites us to look up—to the skies, to the stars, and ultimately, to the divine presence of God that accompanies us wherever we go, even to the far reaches of space.