NASA Mohawk Guy

Bobak Ferdowsi Used To Play With Legos. Now He Plays on Mars.

Bobak Ferdowsi, also known as, “NASA Mohawk Guy,” is flight director of the Mars Curiosity rover. Before participating in a panel on what we stand to lose if we don’t go to space, he sat down in the Zócalo green room to answer yet another question about his mohawk. He assured us that he’s not tired of talking about his famous hair—but he still isn’t sure of what type of hair product he uses to keep his locks properly coiffed.

Q:

What’s the ugliest piece of furniture you own?


A:

I would say my dining room table. It’s made of plywood.


Q:

What’s your spirit of choice?


A:

Dark rum.


Q:

How would you describe yourself in five words or less?


A:

Enthusiastic, inquisitive, hard-working, friendly, and passionate.


Q:

How long did it take you to get tired of answering questions about your mohawk?


A:

I don’t know that I ever really got that tired. I feel like it’s a good vehicle to just engage people in a conversation about all the work that we do and all the people that are involved in that project.


Q:

What kind of product do you use?


A:

It’s like some kind of clay; I don’t know really what it is.


Q:

What country would you choose to annex as the 51st U.S. state?


A:

Canada. I like the Canadians.


Q:

Do you have a favorite constellation?


A:

I like the Big Dipper: tried and true.


Q:

What promise to yourself do you break most often?


A:

That I’m going to eat better.


Q:

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?


A:

Aside from landing a rover on Mars, I don’t know. That was a pretty good gift. When I was a kid, Legos. Those are pretty amazing.


Q:

What movie can you watch over and over?


A:

Big Fish.


*Photo by Aaron Salcido.
Explore Related Content