In today’s episode we speak with Alyssa Carson. At 16 years old, she is already on her way to being a space traveler, working with Project Possum Citizen Scientist Astronautics program (Advanced POSSUM Academy. New class starting soon!), as well as being a national speaker and featured in the new Netflix documentary, “The Mars Generation”. She talks about what she’s accomplished so far, her involvement in the Mars Generation, and more!
More info on Alyssa from her website NasaBlueberry.com : ” “Always follow your dream and don’t let anyone take it from you.” — Alyssa Carson
Ever since she was a little girl, Alyssa Carson has had her heart set on the stars. At only 3 years old, she told her father, “Daddy, I want to be an astronaut, and be one of the people that go to Mars.” He had no idea that this seemingly offhand statement would actually become the birth of a meaningful lifelong endeavor.
At just 16 years old, Alyssa’s list of accomplishments include witnessing 3 Space Shuttle launches, attending Space Camp 7 times, Space Academy 3 times, Robotics Academy once, youngest to graduated Advanced Space Academy, and multiple Sally Ride Camps. In 2012 and 2013, she furthered her education at Space Camp Turkey and Space Camp Canada, becoming the first person to attend all three NASA Space Camps in the world. Alyssa is also the first and only person so far to complete the NASA Passport program, visiting all 14 NASA Visitor’s Centers stretching across 9 states. In January 2013, NASA invited her to be on the MER 10 panel in Washington DC to discuss future missions to Mars live on NASA TV. She was later selected as one of seven ambassadors representing Mars One, a mission to establish a human colony on Mars in 2030. In October of 2016 Alyssa was the youngest to be accepted and graduate the Advanced Possum Academy, officially making her certified to go to space and an astronaut trainee.
More than anything, Alyssa is driven by an insatiable desire to live life to the fullest; to break through the ceiling of possibility and make a positive and lasting impact on the world.”
Alyssa at Project Possum training.
Today’s host is Bill Hargenrader, bestselling author of the Mars Journey series, and Founder of I Love Mars Media.
Link to listen to our interview in iTunes: RPR 14 – Alyssa Carson, Future Mars Walker
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The show and its contents are presented by The Mars Society and co-produced with I Love Mars Media.
Find out more at: Marssociety.org and www.ILoveMars.info