Sascha's interest in outer space exploration is well balanced by his interest in the oceans, and the practical notion that diving comes as close to outer space exploration as one is likely to get. He has been an avid scuba diver since college with a strong and enduring interest in reef ecology and conservation. Sascha has repeatedly conducted and supported coral reef assessment field trips in the Carribean and the Indian Ocean using reef check and other methodologies. Being certified in Munich, Germany he knows all Bavarian lakes from below the surface but prefers warm coral reef diving. 

Sascha holds various degrees in physics and business administration from the Justus-Liebig University in Giessen, Germany and from the University of California, Los Angeles. Sascha is married and has two children age 3 and 5.