Even though Richard Federley will not be , he鈥檚 positive about the future.

鈥淚 knew that pressing through to the final two were incredibly slim. So making it to that next step was really exciting and even when I was cut, it didn鈥檛 come as a massive shock,鈥� he said.

Federley was one of 32 candidates selected by the Canadian Space Agency, who competed for two astronaut positions.

Earthbound for the moment, the UBCO chemistry instructor plans to continue exploring the Okanagan.

鈥淚鈥檓 bound to walk the planet for a little bit longer now, but I鈥檝e always lived my life. I still go out and I paraglide and climb and try to experience 91大黄鸭 and the Okanagan the best I can. I鈥檓 still going to go out and chase after all these things that are fun.鈥�

If presented with another opportunity, Federley said he鈥檒l apply again.

鈥淚 think the true test of this, is asking yourself 鈥榳ould I go through and apply again if the outcome is going to be the same?鈥� Absolutely I would say yes.鈥�

And he鈥檚 learned a lot through the Space Agency program.

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鈥淓ven having the chance to sit down and talk with various media outlets and do interviews has been a fantastic opportunity. I don鈥檛 watch the news in the same way,鈥� he said.

Also working with like-minded individuals has inspired Federley in what he calls a 鈥減henomenal experience.鈥�

鈥淭hese individuals are so talented and so easy to work with that sitting down to do an exercise it was as if I had known them for months,鈥� he said.

He wishes all the best.

鈥淟ooking at the group that鈥檚 left, everyone is so talented I think all Canadians, myself included, are going to be very proud of who they pick.鈥�

Federley encourages everyone to apply should another opportunity arise.

鈥淛ust go chase after your dreams, even if you don鈥檛 obtain it the journey towards it is often the best part鈥�