groundsupport, Author at The Mars Generation®

Our Favorite Space Moments from 2022

December 2, 2022 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

Artemis I Launch_The Mars Generation_Top Space Moments 2022

Image Credit to NASA

What a great year for space exploration and discovery! In honor of 2022 coming to a close, we’re sharing our top space events and moments from the past year. Make sure to stay tuned because we’ll be updating this post and adding new highlights every week of December!

Tune in every week of December to see the most monumental space moments revealed!

1. On January 24th of this year, NASA’s James Webb telescope reached its destination over a million miles away from Earth! The first images would then be shared months later, on July 12th, like this image taken of the Carina Nebula.

TMG_2022 Event_Image 1_Carina Nebula_James Webb

Image Credit to NASA

2. Of course, we can’t forget NASA’s DART mission from October, 2022, which successfully changed the trajectory of an actual asteroid! This proved that if we ever need to save the planet from an incoming space object, we may now have the technology to do it!

3. The Geminid Meteor Shower is one of the last big meteor displays of the year, & it’s going to be at its peak during mid December!

To experience this beautiful space display for yourself, find a dark place away from street lights where you can see wide open sky.

TMG_Top Space Moments 2022_Meteor Shower

4. On October 5, 2022, NASA released this new image of Jupiter’s moon Europa obtained in a flyby mission. NASA believes there to be a liquid ocean beneath Europa’s icy crust and is planning future missions to determine whether life may be viable on Europa!

The Juno mission’s spacecraft passed only 256 miles above Europa and is thought to be the clearest image of the moon ever captured!

Image Credit to NASA

5. As cool as 2022 has been, we’re not sure anything can top the Artemis I mission launch in November!

After months of planning and delays, the Orion spacecraft finally launched on November 16. Though this flight was unmanned, it marked the first time a spacecraft designed to carry humans blasted off to the moon since 1972.

TMG_Top Space Moments 2022_Artemis Launch View

Image Credit to NASA

Finance 101: Student Edition

July 16, 2021 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

They say money can’t buy happiness (and we agree!), but being equipped to put yourself in a healthy position financially can aid you immensely in reaching your long-term goals. As a student, it’s very common to not have a lot of resources. You might find yourself often running out of money, struggling to file your taxes, or even going into credit card debt (eek!). And that’s not even including the confusion of more unstable concepts like investing! However, while you may be a full-time student, you can still achieve financial stability and set yourself up for success upon graduation!

From starting simple, like setting up your first bank account, to the more complicated steps down the road, like taxes and 401(k)s, this blog post will help set you on the right track! Keep reading for our essential finance tips.

Financial Health: Set Up and Manage a Bank Account

In order to manage your money, the first tool you’ll need is a bank account. If you’re in high school, we recommend starting off with a debit card and a savings account. However, once you want to become a little more financially savvy, opening up your first checking account is the way to go. Luckily, as a student, banks often have student plans that make it easy for you to manage one! Here’s what to look for!

How to Find the Best Bank for You

Oftentimes, banks will charge their customers a maintenance fee to hold an account with them. You can actually wave this by keeping an eye out for different student plans! Some great banks for students include Bank of America and Chase.

Here are some great characteristics to look for to find the best bank for you:

$0 maintenance fees
a. These are included in a lot of student plans!
$0 or low minimum account balances
a. As a student, you may not have a lot in your account. In fact, you might have nothing at some points. Look for accounts that allow you to have very little in them without charging you an additional fee.
A mobile app
a. Don’t underestimate this! A bank with a good mobile app can make it so much easier to check your account balances, transfer money on the go, or pay your credit card bill on time.
ATM access
a. Look for banks that have ATMs in your area! This could potentially help you save money on ATM fees should you have to use another bank’s ATM.
Hidden Fees
a. Make sure to read as much as you can about plans. Sometimes banks charge you fees for transferring your money a certain amount a month or using another bank’s ATM. This can rack up money, so be aware!
Low-interest rate
a. Should you forget to pay your credit card bill on time (which in general, never do!), you don’t want to be hit with a huge interest charge.
b. The average interest rate for student accounts is 15.38% APR while all-new offers are 18.24% APR.
APR stands for Average Percentage Rate. AKA how much interest your account has over the course of a year! However, the actual rate actually stands for how much interest you get charged a day (so a 15.38% APR is 15.38% interest charged every day!).
c. Confusing? Just remember: lower APR = more money for you! Even better, pay off your credit card each month so you never have to pay interest in the first place!

To open a checking account, you’ll likely have to show a few forms of identification, your social security number, and proof you’re a student for a student plan. If you go in person, an employee at the bank can sit down with you and help you through the process. We highly recommend going this route if your bank allows it – it makes it so much easier to apply as a beginner and as you’re able to ask any questions and receive explanations in real time!

How to Manage Your First Checking Account

Now that you have your first checking account, you need to know how to manage it. These steps will be vital for ensuring your financial growth.

1. Always Pay Off Your Credit Card Bill

The cardinal rule of having a credit card is always paying it off in full, every billing cycle (which is typically a month). In order to do that, it means you cannot put more than you can afford onto the credit card. In fact, it’s actually recommended that you don’t exceed more than a third of your credit limit.

If you forget, not only will you be hit with late fees, but your credit score will also take a hit. But wait, what’s a credit score? Why is it important?

2. What’s Credit and How to Build It

Let’s use this scenario: you and your two friends are out getting boba and they both forget their wallets (what a coincidence!). In deciding to lend them money, you probably care if they’re going to pay you back, right? Let’s say one friend has a terrible reputation and never pays you back, but the other one always pays you back on time. Which friend are you more likely to lend your money to?

This is similar to having a bad or good credit score. A credit score lets the bank know how “trustworthy” you are and indicates that they can safely lend you money and expect to get it back when you repay them.

Your credit score (or “trustworthiness”) is really important in that it can help you qualify for mortgages, larger credit limits, auto loans, student loans, lower interest rates, and more. While some of these things may seem years or even a decade away, building good credit takes time and there’s no better time to start in my opinion than now!

You don’t even need to have a lot of money coming in and out to start building credit. Every month, buy one coffee with your credit card, pay it off, and you’ll start building good credit!

However, to help build up a good credit score, is it recommended to use no more than 30% of your credit limit. In fact, those with the highest credit scores only use around 7% of their monthly credit limit.

Another good tip: if you forget or almost forget to pay off your credit card bill each month, you can pay it off twice a month or more. Whatever it takes, be sure to not miss your monthly credit card payment each month – that’s what hurts your credit score and gives you late fees.

Avoid Signing Up for Other Credit Cards

This is the biggest trap, for college students especially! Companies with high-interest rate credit cards and high overdraft fees specifically target college students who are typically not as financially savvy. They know that they’re more likely to overdraft, not pay their bill, or go over their credit limit, and therefore, are prime targets for lots of fees.

The next time you see a table with free pizza, t-shirts, or more and they’re trying to get you to sign up for another credit card…run (preferably with the free pizza in hand). Stick to one credit card – the one you researched with low fees and that you know you can manage.

Put Money into a Savings Account

Start saving for larger purchases (like a Spring break trip)

Aim to have money left over for when you graduate
Savings accounts have interest rates so your money will grow – they’re often small, but it’s better than sitting under a mattress

Financial Health: Start Contributing to Your Account

Finding a Part-Time Job

You’re likely super busy as a student, but having a part-time job, even if it’s only a few hours a week, can help you afford additional living expenses. Things like books, transportation, going out with friends, a Mother’s Day gift, etc. can become available to you with a part-time job.

Typically, colleges will offer different on-campus employment opportunities, from working in the library to tutoring to giving tours to conducting student research. These are not only great ways to earn money, but also allow you to give back and connect to your campus community while gaining on the job experience.

If there’s a lack of on-campus opportunities, online tutoring can be a great way to go. You’ll be able to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. This can be super beneficial during finals week when you don’t have a lot of time to commit. Even more so, teaching someone else is the best way to learn! As you explain a concept to someone else, you’ll reinforce concepts for yourself along the way.

In looking at part-time jobs, evaluating the following questions can aid in your decisions:

How much time can you commit to?
Does the job help you grow your skills or development?
Does it contribute to your long-term goals?
Can you grow in responsibility?
Do you get along well with the manager and co-workers?
Do you believe in the mission, purpose, or effect of your work?
Is the workplace environment welcoming, supportive, respectful, and safe?

This last question is very important. While your very first job by no means has to be glamorous or your “dream job,” your workplace should always be respectful and appreciative of you and your work.

Financial Health: Paying Taxes

Now that you have a part-time job and are earning some income, you need to learn how to pay taxes. When talking with first-time taxpayers, my advice is to use a service that largely does the work for you instead of working it out yourself on paper.

One service we recommend is TurboTax. They often have free plans for simple tax returns (which you’ll most likely have) and even offer deals if you file by a certain date!

The website makes it very easy to get started and they include lots of helpful explanations along the way to help get you through.

Here’s our short synopsis of the tax-paying process:

Your part-time job will likely send you a W-2 form
a. Keep these copies on hand.
b. When it comes time to file your taxes, TurboTax will prompt you to enter several numbers found on this form.
c. If your employer does not send you a W-2, contact them! The one exception is if:
You work as an independent contractor
a. This means you’re self-employed and your employer and you have a “contract” where you’re paid for specific work, and your employer will send you a 1099 form
b. Your employer does not pay your taxes in this case – you do
c. Your taxes will be a little more complicated
d. Pro Tip: you can actually track and receive a refund for business expenses! Do you own a laptop that you work on for this job? That counts! Do you drive at all for your job? Your gas money can count!
e. By writing off business expenses you can maximize your tax refund.
The deadline for filing taxes is usually April 15th, but for some circumstances (like COVID-19) the deadline can be extended.
Tax Refund
a. After you file your taxes, the government will likely send you a tax refund. This is when they’ve taken out too much money than you really owe.
b. Be sure to file on time to receive it!

Like all things, filing taxes comes with a learning curve. After all, this is a new responsibility you are in charge of! So, what happens if you do your taxes incorrectly?

I Got Audited – Now What?

When you’re doing your taxes, especially your first time when you’re more prone to make mistakes, you may be audited.

Auditing means the IRS will take a closer look at your tax returns and make sure you’re reporting everything correctly. While the IRS audits people randomly, they also do it if anything on their end raises a red flag. You’ll know if you’re audited if you receive a letter in the mail from the IRS. The letter will include instructions for extra documents that you need to submit by a certain deadline.

First thing to do – take a deep breath. Remember you’re only human and that you may have made a mistake on your taxes as a first-time filer. Next, look for the documentation requested. You may have to show copies of your salary, payments, bank account information, and more.

Just submit your documents by the date and you should be fine!

Financial Health: Saving

Now that we’ve discussed earning and saving money, let’s talk about saving! As a college student, you may not have as many expenses as an adult. However, you still likely need to buy books, clothes, transportation, food, and have some extra money to go out with friends.

While it is very true that most college students don’t have much to their name, 34% of college students have been able to save at least $1,000. Having money in your account not only means you can afford bigger expenses like a spring break trip or plane tickets back home, but can greatly help you when you step into the world as a new college graduate.

Having some savings means you can pay a first-month’s deposit or a brokerage fee when you’re renting your first apartment (and have money to furnish it!). Savings can enable you to put down a better down payment on a car, and therefore have lower interest rates and save money over time. Having savings will also just give you the peace of mind when you’re already starting out new.

How to Set a Budget

While this rule is simple, it is the foundation to building up savings: You need to spend less than you’re making.

First, put aside enough money to cover your necessary living expenses, otherwise known as “mandatory spending.” These are the expenses that you actually cannot go without. Some of the expenses under this category may include:

Room/board
Tuition contributions
Books/Supplies
Transportation
Food
Medicine/toiletries

Now, after you’ve covered your basic expenses, put 10% of what you’re making away before you do anything else. This will ensure that you are saving, no matter what.

With the leftover amount you have, that is your “fun money” or “discretionary spending.” Examples include concert tickets, extra clothes, video games, eating out at restaurants, etc. There are the expenses that are more largely under your control and that can be limited. Setting some basic rules will also help you limit these expenses. Rules like “I’m only going out to eat once a week” or “I’m going to the movies twice a month” can be easily followed and can simplify your discretionary spending to what you can manage.

Resources to Help You

If you’re new to budgeting, we highly recommend using a mobile app. By automating the work and doing the data crunching and purchase analysis for you, you’ll be able to easily see where you’re spending is going to and therefore, make better spending decisions going forward. Here are a few of our favorites!

Mint: #1 most downloaded personal finance app that’s free
YNAB (You Need a Budget): Students get 12-months free!
PocketGuard: Another solid free budget app
Goodbudget: Uses the envelope system, where you set a budget by categories

Look for Deals Whenever You Can

A good part of budgeting is also knowing where to find a deal. While these methods may not be the most convenient option, putting in extra time and care when you’re purchasing something can save you money in the long run.

For instance, buying or even renting new textbooks from your college bookstore can be very expensive. Try asking around on campus social media groups to buy or rent another student’s textbook. You might have to deal with notes in the margins, but can definitely be worth it to save you money!

Also, as a student you are eligible for a lot of student discounts. Concert, theatre, and sporting event tickets usually have some sort of student discount. For consumer products, you can sign up to UNiDAYS to see student discounts for popular brands all in one place!

Financial Health: Invest in Yourself – Literally!

Did you know that there’s a way to make almost $2 million dollars without spending a dime?

Yep – it’s called a 401(k). In fact, if you invested $6,000 a year for 40 years, you would have more than $2 million dollars by the time of retirement! Use a 401(k) calculator to gain an even more personalized estimate!

Now that we’ve covered earning, saving, and spending, we need to discuss investing. Investing is a way to make your money grow itself without any active effort on your part and is a key way to achieve financial freedom. While you may think investing may be unachievable for college students, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need a lot to invest and just by investing at all, you’ll be practicing and learning healthy financial habits!

Reasons to Start Investing Now

One key reason to invest early is that the earlier you invest, the more your money will grow. Due to compounding, the longer you let your investments sit, the larger returns you will see as time goes on.

Another key reason to invest is that by not doing so, you are actually losing money. This is because the inflation rate is more than the interest rate of your money sitting in the bank! For instance, you may have a 1% interest rate in your savings account (which is on the high end) meaning your account will grow 1% per year. Inflation, on the other hand, is around 2% a year. You’re actively losing the value of your money by not investing!

How to Start Investing

The first step to start investing is to open a brokerage account. You need a broker to help purchase investments such as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds. There’s a lot of great brokerage account options available, but we recommend TD Ameritrade for beginners. They are primarily rated as being one of the best brokerage accounts for beginners as they have a lot of educational resources available for free on their website, an easy-to-use mobile app, and a paper trading platform. “Paper trading” is when you get to practice investing in real time…except you’re using fake money! This can be a risk-free way to practice investing and decision making before putting your own money on the table.

How to Pick Investments

Now that you have your brokerage account, it’s time to invest! First, you need to know the basic types of investments.

Types of Investments:

ETFs: Often tracks indexes passively of multiple companies; diversified risk. Instead of buying a share of just one company, you’re buying a share of a whole bunch of companies!
Mutual Funds: Managed by an investor actively; similar to an ETF in that it’s diversified risk
Bonds: Low risk, low return; by the government
Stocks: High risk but high return; concentrated risk into one company (ex: Apple, Tesla)

For beginners, ETFs or Mutual Funds can be great options because they allow you to diversify your portfolio and therefore, lower risk. Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, so-to-speak, by buying stocks from one company, instead you can buy a share of multiple baskets!

Warren Buffett actually believes this is the best way to invest in the first place. As he said, “Most investors, both institutional and individual, will find that the best way to own common stocks is through an index fund that charges minimal fees. Those following this path are sure to beat the net results (after fees and expenses) delivered by the great majority of investment professionals.”

He even took a bet that placing money in a basic S&P index fund that is passively managed would outperform one a fund actively managed by professional hedge managers…and he won!

Stop…Before You Invest!

Before you place any investments though, research is essential to ensuring you make the best decision. Here’s a few questions you may ask:

Who is the leadership?
How has the company’s or companies’ performance been?
Are there any upcoming or current trends in the industry that might affect performance?
How might new government regulations come into play?

Before investing, you might also want to take some time to reflect upon your own values. Do you care about green energy? Are you passionate about space exploration? Do new plant-based meat substitutes excite you in the market? Anything that you are passionate about or believe in, there is a stock, index, or mutual fund for it!

Financial Health: Learn More About Personal Finance

Learning about finances and financial health is a life-long journey! While we hope this blog post provided a helpful roadmap, here are some further resources to use.

Books Can Be a Great Way to Learn

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry
Clever Girl Finance by Bola Sokunbi
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez

Podcasts

Free Online Courses

Personal Finance 101: Everything You Need to Know via Udemy
Personal Finance from Purdue University via Edx
Financial Literacy via Allison
My Financial Mountain: Understanding Your Path to a Solid Financial Foundation via Skillshare
Finance and Capital Markets on Khan Academy

YouTube Channels

Building a Financial Foundation

While we definitely agree that money cannot buy happiness and shouldn’t be your primary focus, building healthy financial habits and making wise financial decisions can help you down the road to your dreams! Being a student presents its own set of challenges – but there is truly no better time to start taking control of your finances (and your life!) than right now by educating yourself, practicing healthy financial habits, and developing your financial literacy.

43 Recommendations for Kids Space Books

April 5, 2021 By groundsupport 1 Comment

Looking for a good book to read? Well, in a recent tweet, a father asked for book recommendations for his fifth-grade stepdaughter, who is starting a Space Club at her school.

My stepdaughter (a fifth grader) told me this morning she’s starting a Space Club at school. 🚀 Anyone have some book recommendations she could take to the club?

— Brad McLelland (@bradmcbooks) February 25, 2021

The Twitter community came together and delivered! So we’ve compiled a list of everyone’s favorite space books so that you can find your next great read. Here are the best book recommendations from our space community!

1. Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood

Recommended Age: 3-5 years

In this book, the author swaps Cinderella’s glass slippers for space boots! Cinderella’s got a knack for building spaceships and uses it to help others. When the prince’s rocket breaks down, she’s there to help him get to the Royal Ball. Soon after, though, she runs off, and the prince is left to search the cosmos for the girl that saved him. With colorful illustrations, this is the classic story of Cinderella with an interstellar twist.

2. Red Rover by Richard Ho

Recommended Age: 3-6 years

Join the mission of NASA’s Curiosity rover and see what it does on Mars day to day. Told from the perspective of the Red Planet, readers will learn about Mars’ significance and why scientists send rovers and other spacecraft there. Coupled with stunning illustrations, this book brings young readers on a ground-breaking mission while also teaching them about the science and history of space exploration.

3. Moonshot by Brian Floca

Recommended Age: 4 years and up

Learn about NASA’s Apollo 11 mission in a new light and what it was like to travel somewhere no human had gone before. Hear the stories of the scientists behind the Moon landing’s success, and follow along with astronauts right from their spacecraft. Moonshot brings readers on a roller coaster of emotions and inspires them to reach new heights.

4. A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade

Recommended Age: 4-8

This illustrated biography tells the story of NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson, who was a leader in sending the first crewed missions to space. However, her journey wasn’t an easy one. She needed to prove that her race and gender didn’t define her intellect, and she could do anything her male counterparts could. Learn how Johnson broke stereotypes in the space industry and paved the way for new generations to find their place in the world of STEM.

5. Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins and Lucy Knisley

Recommended Age: 4-8 years

Margaret Hamilton was a pioneer in her field. Without her, many of NASA’s Apollo missions may have had a different outcome. She even hand wrote the code that helped spacecraft solve issues right from orbit. In Margaret and the Moon, readers will follow along on her journey and learn how essential this code was during history-making missions.

6. What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett and Diana Sudyka

Recommended Age: 4-8 years

Learn about the incredible true story of Maria Mitchell, the first professional female astronomer in the United States, and how her late-night discovery earned her worldwide recognition. Discover how Mitchell went from humble beginnings to making incredible scientific achievements, and how her legacy continues to inspire generations of young female scientists.

7. Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin

Recommended Age: 4-8 years

How small are we…really? Your Place in the Universe helps readers understand the extraordinary size and composition of our universe. The sizes and scales of objects in outer space can seem unimaginable, but with detailed illustrations, audiences can better picture the world beyond our planet and what is out there to explore.

8. A is for Astronaut by Clayton Anderson and Scott Brundage

Recommended Age: 6-9 years

Learn about the mission of an astronaut from A-Z, told by retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson. Discover how astronauts prepare, what they go through during the flight, and the history of NASA over the years. With fun poems and illustrations, budding astronauts will learn about spaceflight right from someone who has experienced it.

9. Ambassador by William Alexander

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

When Gabe Fuentes is selected to be Earth’s ambassador to the galaxy, he quickly runs into trouble. A dangerous alien force is on its way towards Earth, and they’re targeting Gabe. As Gabe struggles to figure out what to do, he learns that his undocumented immigrant parents are at risk of being deported. Can Gabe solve both his problems at home and problems in the Galaxy?

10. Chasing Space by Leland Melvin

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Leland Melvin has had a remarkable career. He’s played football with the Detroit Lions, made music with will.i.am, completed missions to the International Space Station, and served as the NASA Associate Administrator for Education. It’s no surprise that Melvin has been regarded as one of the most inspirational astronauts! Now, he’s sharing his story to show anything is possible and motivate young people to chase their dreams.

11. Clues to the Universe by Christina Li

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Rosalind Ling Geraghty has always loved building rockets with her father, but when he passes away suddenly, Ro has no one to finish the project with. Meanwhile, her friend Benjamin Burns doesn’t like rockets all that much – he’s a comic book fan! When Benji finds out his favorite comic was written by his father, who walked out years ago, he decides he wants to meet him. Ro helps the two reunite, knowing just how powerful a child’s relationship with their father is, and in return, Benji helps Ro finish her rocket. Together, the two take on an adventure of self-discovery and explore just how the universe works.

12. Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

When Miranda Regent is chosen to be one of six kids on the first mission to Mars, she couldn’t be more excited. But just as the news was announced, Miranda starts receiving threatening messages, all while attacks are made on the astronauts’ training base. She’s going to need the help of her friends around the world to save the mission and show that science is more important than personal greed.

13. Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Robot by Markus Motum

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Read about the mission of the Curiosity rover, right from the rover herself. Curiosity traveled somewhere no human has gone before and has spent years collecting data for scientists back on Earth. Learn how she got her name, how she completes her tasks, and how exactly she spends her time on Mars.

14. I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

It’s 1969 and Mamie’s class is preparing for the launch of Apollo 11. The boys are writing letters to Buzz Aldrin and the girls are writing to Neil Armstrong. No one is writing to Michael Collins…well, except for Mamie. Michael Collins’ job is important: taking care of the ship the others can return home safely. This resonates with Mamie, who in her letters, tells him about her family struggles and how no one is ever home to take care of her. The Apollo 11 mission brought the world together, but can it bring Mamie’s family back home?

15. In the Red by Christopher Swiedler

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Michael and Lilith know they shouldn’t venture out on the Mars surface alone, but when adventure awaits, how can they refuse? They leave the safety of the colony and ride miles away when suddenly, a solar flare strikes and knocks out power, communication, and even Mars’ magnetic field! Will Michael and Lilith be able to make it back to the colony alive?

16. Lost In Outer Space: Incredible Journey of Apollo 13 by Tod Olson

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

The astronauts on NASA’s Apollo 13 mission were aiming for the Moon, but after a damaging explosion, they’re just lucky to make it back to Earth alive. Step inside the Apollo 13 spacecraft and experience firsthand this exhilarating mission for survival. Learn how astronauts overcame obstacles and how scientists back on Earth dealt with problems as they rose thousands of miles away.

17. Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Nova can’t wait for the upcoming space launch. She has big dreams, but because she has severe autism, her teacher and foster parents don’t take her seriously. The only person that does is her sister, Bridget. But when Bridget mysteriously disappears one day, Nova is left to find her place in her community – and celebrate the launch – alone.

18. Quintessence by Jess Redman

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

When Alma spies a falling star in her telescope, she’s excited to see it land in her backyard. However, upon closer inspection, she notices it looks like a child. The star is lost, far from home, and lonely – Alma knows how it feels. She embarks on a mission to return the star back to its place in the sky, but can’t do it alone. She needs some magical help, and the assistance of her school’s Astronomy Club.

19. Space Case by Stuart Gibbs

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Space Case is a whodunit mystery with an astronomical twist. Twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is one of the first humans to live on the Moon. But when the base’s top scientist, Dr. Holtz, is found dead, Dash suspects foul play. Only, no one believes him. Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important discovery that would change everything for the families living on the base. Is that discovery worth killing someone to keep it a secret?

20. The Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Bell grew up on Mars, only ever hearing stories about the US colonies. He knows that they keep secrets and remain largely isolated from the colonies on Mars. But when all the adults fall ill with a mysterious illness, Bell needs to figure out why. In order to unite the planet, he and the other kids need to uncover the truth, because in order to survive, everyone needs to work together.

21. To Fly Among the Stars by Rebecca Siegel

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

For years, NASA’s astronaut groups have been dominated by men. But during their training, women have always worked alongside them. Women went through the same astronaut tests and worked hard to prove themselves worthy of being a part of the astronaut crews. Learn about their inspirational stories and how they broke down barriers so that young women, too, can now fly among the stars.

22. Voyage of the Dogs by Greg van Eekhout

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Lopside is a specially trained dog who journeys to space alongside human astronauts. Their mission is to set up a base on another far-off planet, but along the way, they run into some trouble. The human crew disappears, leaving Lopside and the other Barkonauts alone. Will they be able to complete their mission safely? Lopside is going to show that he’s not only man’s, but Earth’s, best friend.

23. We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Middle school is a difficult time for everyone, and that includes Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas. These three seventh-grade siblings each have their own struggles, from poor grades to low self-esteem. They don’t connect with each other much, except when dealing with their tense home environment. What ultimately brings them together is a school project and the 1986 space shuttle Challenger launch. Follow along the resilient story of the Nelson Thomas kids as they navigate middle school and learn just how powerful family can be.

24. Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey To Tomorrow by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Recommended Age: 9-11 years

NASA’s has been pushing the limits of science and technology since it was established in 1958. Learn about the organization’s history and how feats like landing on the Moon and Mars were made possible. Hear the stories of lesser-known scientists and discover their important contributions to these missions. Also, discover what the driving force behind space exploration is and how it will propel us toward exciting future discoveries!

25. Spaceman by Mike Massimino

Recommended Age: 9-12 years

Discover the true story of Mike Massimino and how he went from a boy with a dream to one of NASA’s most well-known astronauts. While his story begins as a young boy growing up in Long Island, where people rarely moved far from home, he eventually ends up flying thousands of miles above the Earth. Along his journey, Massimino faced challenges and setbacks, but they never stopped him from pursuing his dream, and now he’s sharing his story to inspire others to do the same.

26. Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy by Joshua S. Levy

Recommended Age: 9-13 years

Can you imagine going to school on a spaceship orbiting Jupiter? For thirteen-year-old Jack, that’s his reality. But when that school is mysteriously attacked, Jack’s father leaves it up to him to save the ship. He gives Jack an important invention, allowing them to be catapulted away from danger… only its into a group of aliens no one has seen before (uh-oh). Now, it’s up to Jack to get his school back to safety and get his friends home.

27. The Martian by Andy Weir

Recommended Age: 10 years and up

Astronaut Mark Watney was one of the first humans to have stepped foot on Mars. But when a dust storm forces the crew to evacuate, Watney finds himself as the only human on the Martian surface; the rest of the crew left him behind. When the dust clears, he’s left with limited resources, food, and damaged technology. When the odds are all stacked against him, can he survive long enough for a rescue mission to bring him home?

28. Fighting For Space by Teitel Amy Shira

Recommended Age: 10 to 12 years

This dual biography tells the stories of female pilots Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb and the dream of being the first American woman in space. From breaking the sound barrier to taking the same tests as the Mercury astronauts, readers will follow the adventures of Cochran and Cobb as they fight to turn their dreams into reality. Their journey takes on both social and political issues as they strive to defy odds and create a “women astronaut” program.

29. My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi

Recommended Age: 10-12 years

Ebony-Grace Norfleet grew up nurtured by her grandfather, one of the first black engineers at NASA. She loves Star Wars and Star Trek, and all things science fiction. But when family trouble arises and she has to move to the other side of the country, Ebony-Grace has to find new ways to share her passion. She doesn’t let herself be limited by other people’s imaginations and instead journeys to find her own place in her new home.

30. Path to the Stars by Sylvia Acevedo

Recommended Age: 10-12 years

Discover the inspiring true story of Sylvia Acevedo, one of the first Latinx to earn a master’s in engineering from Stanford University. Throughout her childhood, she struggled with loss following the meningitis outbreak. How did she cope? She joined Girl Scouts! Girl Scouts taught her to take control of her life and helped her reach her dream of becoming a rocket scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Today, Acevedo serves as CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA and continues to help girls reach their full potential.

31. See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

Recommended Age: 10-13 years

In 1977, astronomer Carl Sagan helped send the Golden Record into space on board the Voyager spacecraft. Now, 11-year-old Alex Petroski wants to do the same….t only with his golden iPod instead. Before he can send it, he needs to record what life is like on Earth and document his journey in case any aliens ever happen to stumble upon it.

32. Rocket Science by Andrew Radar

Recommended Age: 10-14 years

In Rocket Science, Andrew Radar makes rocket science accessible to anyone. Learn how rockets work – down to the different stages and power generation – and how scientists use them to travel far beyond our planet. This guide opens up discussions about the future of exploration too, and the possibility of discovering extraterrestrial life. Hard? Pssh…it’s only rocket science!

33. The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth by Rachel Ignotofsky

Recommended Age: 10-14 years

Earth works in fascinating ways. The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth breaks down biodiversity, ecosystems and their inhabitants, the cycles of nature, and a whole lot more. Readers will learn what we need to do to protect our planet and how we can better contribute to nature’s wellbeing.

34. What We See in the Stars by Kelsey Oseid

Recommended Age: 10-14 years

Take a tour of the night sky guided by beautiful artwork combining mythology and science. Learn about everything from constellations to bright stars to nebulae to deep space, and fall in love with the magic and history of outer space. This book takes young stargazers deeper into the night sky and helps them find their place among the stars.

35. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Recommended Age: 11 years and up

Behind the historic missions of Alan Shepard and Neil Armstrong were a group of “human computers.” These female mathematicians made complex calculations by hand that were essential to sending the first humans to space and bring them home safely. Among these women were Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden who worked specifically in the all-Black “West Computing” unit. Learn about their stories and how they overcame barriers and stereotypes to ultimately change the space industry forever.

36. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Recommended Age: 11 years and up

Earth is about to be demolished, and Arthur Dent needs a way out. Luckily, his friend Ford Prefect is there to pick him up and together they fly off on a journey into the galaxy. Along the way, they meet other travelers looking for the answers to the universe. Join their hilarious adventure as they frolic through the galaxy and figure out outer space’s inner workings.

37. Endurance: My Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery by Scott Kelly

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

Scott Kelly holds the record for most consecutive days spent in space by an American and has flown on four spaceflights. However, his time in space has not been without challenges. He’s dealt with isolation from his loved ones, unique struggles with his physical health, and the fear of colliding with space junk – challenges far from the mundane. Discover his incredible journey as he recalls his career and the obstacles he’s had to surmount in the pursuit of science.

38. Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

For decades, Nightwatch has been one of the top stargazing guides around the world. It includes charts and tables, stunning photography, how-to instructions, and planet locations perfect for any backyard astronomer. With only your naked eye, you’ll learn how to see some of the most incredible stellar spectacles, and if you have a telescope, you can discover how to peer even farther into space.

39. Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

Sally Ride was the first American woman and known LGBTQ+ person to travel to space. In this biography, discover her story and learn how she broke down barriers to allow young women to chase after their dreams and become astronauts. She’s dedicated her entire life to promoting science education, co-founding a company and writing several books on the matter. Her determination and achievements have inspired millions around the world, and now, readers can take a glimpse into how Ride balanced her public image as a scientist with her heavily guarded personal life.

40. The Space Race by Deborah Cadbury

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

Travel back in time to the space race and experience the remarkable triumphs, political fears, and ground-breaking technological feats between the United States and the Soviet Union. Hear the stories of the people at the center of the race that were unrelenting in their mission to make history and send humans to the Moon. Learn what life was like during this era and how two countries’ competition for dominance led to revolutionary innovations.

41. Packing for Mars by Mary Roach

Recommended Age: 13 years and up

Ever wonder what it’s like to travel to space and live on the International Space Station? Mary Roach has the answers. In Packing for Mars, she takes on the particularly gross challenges astronauts face on their journey – vomit, feces, body odor, and more – in a humorous way. These are topics not often discussed in the media, but for young aspiring astronauts, they paint a more realistic picture of space travel to consider.

42. Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Recommended Age: 14-16 years

In this science fiction, dystopian tale, Ray Bradbury explores what life looks like on Mars and what happens when humans try to interfere with it. Set immediately after World War II, Bradbury brings to life an alien species and describes their conflicts with the people from Earth. The post-apocalyptic technologies will bring readers to the Red Planet and leave them wondering what’s really there.

43. Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam

Recommended Age: 14-16 years

This memoir by Homer Hickam shares the story of how he chased after his dreams to become a NASA engineer. It’s a coming-of-age story set in the 1950s, where Hickam’s biggest fear was never growing up and getting out of his dying town. Against all odds, he made his dream of launching rockets into space come true during an important time in the space industry. Hickam recalls the obstacles he faced and how he found the hope and determination to overcome them.

What Will Your Next Space Read Be?

A huge thanks to our space community for these fantastic recommendations! We have one more to add: our very own Abigail Harrison’s new book, Dream Big!: How to Reach for Your Stars, for anyone looking to chase after their dreams. However, each and every one of these books is perfect for both school clubs and to pass the time in quarantine!

If you are looking for more space content to share with the astronomy-lover in your life, be sure to follow The Mars Generation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and sign up for our email list.

TMG Intern Spotlight: Katherine Morin

March 25, 2021 By groundsupport 2 Comments

Introducing Katherine Morin: our newest intern here at The Mars Generation!

Katherine is a first-year student at Wellesley College, just like our President and Co-Founder Abby Harrison once was! Passing on this paid internship to another Wellesley student is one way Abby has been able to give back to her community. Katherine has been an intern with The Mars Generation for a few months now, and has already brought so much talent to our team! Her main role at The Mars Generation has been creating, writing, and editing awesome content for our non-profit as well as assisting Abby with some of her own projects.

Currently, Katherine is training with our soon to be graduating intern and Wellesley student, Emily Pattison. Emily has been showing her the ropes around here since she will be taking over Emily’s role when Emily graduates this spring. She is learning from the best! Katherine is studying mathematics and astronomy with aspirations to become a scientist working in the space industry or a college professor. So cool! We look forward to working with Katherine during her time at Wellesley and we hope that her experience with us at TMG over the next few years will help her develop the skills and knowledge she needs to take on her dreams!

Welcome to the team, Katherine!

TMG Intern Spotlight: Emily Pattison

February 24, 2021 By groundsupport 1 Comment

Interns are invaluable to any organization and we can certainly say that for our own interns here at The Mars Generation.

That’s why we want to shine a spotlight on Emily Pattison, one of our interns! Emily is a student at Wellesley College, the same school our co-founder and President Abby Harrison graduated from! It’s always been important for Abby to give back to her community, and passing on this paid internship to another scholar in the Wellesley community felt like the perfect thing to do. Emily has been balancing her studies with The Mars Generation internship for nearly four years now–very impressive to say the least! Emily’s primary role at TMG has been directing and writing scripts for the #AskAbby Youtube Show, but she has also spent time writing and editing for many other projects.

Though we are sad to see her internship come to end, we’re so excited to see Emily graduate this year! She currently has goals to work in the entertainment industry, and with all her experience working for TMG and #AskAbby, we know she’s ready and prepared to take on anything! With her upcoming graduation, Emily has already found her replacement: another Wellesley student! Our new intern is a first year student, just like Emily was when she first joined TMG, and it is our hope that we can also provide her with years of valuable experience for her future career!

But for now, let’s hear more from Emily!

What is your major at Wellesley? Double Major in Economics & Media Arts and Sciences (MAS)

What are your career goals or big dreams or both? To get an MBA, work in the entertainment industry, create a social impact, and potentially go into entrepreneurship.

I also want to adopt a cat, live abroad, and finally become fluent in Spanish!

What are your interests? Hiking, politics, astronomy, theatre, traveling, ukulele and playing the piano.

What kind of clubs are you in? Co-Founder and CEO of Our Voice, a mobile app startup for young people to get involved in politics, Vice President of The Wellesley College Democrats, Founder and President of Wendy Pictures (Film Production), Actor in Wellesley College Upstage and Mainstage (Theatre), and member of Project W (Entrepreneurship).

What is your favorite planet and why? Saturn! I’m excited to see if life exists in the oceans of Enceladus. Plus, the rings are so beautiful to look at! The planet looks like it’s hula-hooping.

Who is your favorite astronaut and why? Peggy Whitson! She’s spent more time in space than any other American astronaut, which is pretty cool!

Why did you want to work at TMG? I love the mission statement–not only am I excited by space exploration and expanding our current knowledge of the universe, but The Mars Generation is all about helping young people achieve their dreams. Being able to put out content that helps young people reach for the stars and fulfill their full potential means a lot to me. The team culture is also fun and collaborative, and I’ve been able to have a variety of work that helps me learn and expand my skill set.

Why do you think STEM is important? STEM is what allows our society to push forward and innovate on new technologies. With STEM, we can learn more about the universe, solve health-related problems, climate change, and more. The possibilities with STEM are endless.

What’s the thing you look forward to learning the most? So much! If there’s life on another planet, but then also, what is inside a black hole, if there are different dimensions, how the universe started, etc… The physics of the universe are really interesting for me to read about, especially as so much is unknown. For instance, we don’t yet have a complete and consistent theory for quantum gravity! I’m really excited to learn the relationship between gravity, time, and space on different scales.

Help Us Make Space History Today! How You Can Help NOW!

February 20, 2021 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

we have liftoff…we have lift off!

The Mars Generation has the chance to make space history–but we need your help! Our deadline is February 28, so we are on a countdown for the next few days!

Inspiration4 Mission

This opportunity comes from the ecommerce platform Shift4Shop.com, has announced that they are sending the world’s first all-civilian mission to space. The Inspiration4 mission will raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and represents a new era of human spaceflight and exploration.

One of the 4 seats on this first-of-its-kind mission will go to the winner of the Inspiration4 Contest. To enter, a business needs a representative with a desire to go to space and who is willing to create and upload a video to Twitter for judging. The videos are being judged on how viral they are, how entertaining they are, and how inspirational their entrepreneur’s story is.

We think Abby (our co-founder and president) is the perfect candidate to win this contest and become part of this historic mission. She has worked tirelessly for a decade to reach her own dreams of space travel, but more than that, she has shared it publicly with so many others. Abby’s sharing of her own journey has led to her building an amazing community online. While many would use that following for their own benefit, Abby has always been about giving back, donating 100% of her earnings from speaking, brand influencer work, book royalties, and more to The Mars Generation to help us reach our mission. Our mission has always been to inspire people to dream big and reach for their own Mars, so Abby and the Mars Generation are the perfect fit for this contest!

How You Can Help

You can support The Mars Generation in sending Abby to space by sharing her #Inspiration4Contest entry on Twitter with as many people as you can. Watch her video, then please retweet, share it on Facebook, DM your friends with the link, do whatever you can to spread the word. Abby’s journey started on Twitter, and now we are calling on the Twitter community who have been so loyal and supportive over the past decade to help Abby graduate from an “Aspiring Astronaut” to a real Astronaut!

Your donations also help! Visit Abby’s ecommerce Shift4Shop product page here. Every donation in the LetsLaunchAbby.com store goes 100% to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!

On Twitter

Watch Abby’s contest entry video here! Then like, comment, retweet, quote retweet on a different day to spread the word!

Why do this? Because this is where the contest is happening and the “viral” nature of this video is being judged solely on what happens to this video. We need views, and Twitter’s algorithm prioritizes tweets with a lot of interaction to show to even more people! So please go to Twitter now (even without an account, your view still counts) and help us make history.

On Facebook

You don’t even have to be on Twitter to help! Share the link to Abby’s tweet on Facebook and encourage others to view the video and retweet!

Make sure to also post in any groups or pages you’re involved in!

Please remind people that they can click the link and watch the video even if they don’t have a Twitter account to help get Abby more views. Let’s empower women to be the first and take a front seat in history. Become an advocate today!

On Instagram

If you have more than 10,000 followers on Instagram, you can share the contest video link in stories, so grab a screenshot of the Tweet, add the link in your story, tell people to “swipe up to view” and you’re good to go! If you have fewer than 10,000, you can still post about it and tag @themarsgeneration and @astronautabbyofficial!

On LinkedIn

You can even link Abby’s tweet on LinkedIn! Share with the people you’re connected to and get them excited!

Make sure you’re posting to different groups or networks you’re a part of! T

his is an amazing opportunity to empower women and accomplish more representation in space travel, and we know people will want to hear about it!

Text, Email, Direct Messenger

Share Abby’s tweet with your contacts, whether it’s over text, email, direct message, or What’sApp!

Your getting the word out and sharing Abby’s story is what will ultimately help her make history as the youngest astronaut to ever go to space!

Support the Cause

Not only will you be helping launch Abby to space, but you will help support a truly worthy cause here on Earth. You can visit Abby’s ecommerce Shift4Shop #LetsLaunchAbby website here for an opportunity to pick up one of 20 inspirational Dream Big web chats with Abby by donating $100. Every donation made in the LetsLaunchAbby.com store goes 100% to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!

A donation of $100 will receive a one-hour inspirational group web chat via Zoom with Astronaut Abby. This chat may be set up for any group of students, including schools, classrooms, organizations, etc. of your choice. This is a way to help advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also inspiring groups of students to dream big–a mission The Mars Generation has been working toward for years!

The Mars Generation Mission

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, founded in 2015, with a goal of providing resources and role models to young people whose backgrounds are typically underrepresented in STEM fields. Some of the ways we do this is through scholarships, as well as youth leadership and awards programs. To date we have sent more than 45 kids who lack financial resources to Space Camp USA on full paid scholarships (including transportation. Our use of social media and reliance on social revenue is also part of what makes The Mars Generation so innovative and unique. Over the years, we’ve created an enormous amount of digital content for parents, teachers and students, including a YouTube learning channel, blogs, and the use of social media to provide ongoing outreach. We work tirelessly to empower young people (and all people) to dream big, reach for their own stars and work to be the change they wish to see in the world!

All of this came to be because Abby had a message about hope for the future and the drive to share it. That message, coupled with the power of social media, was amplified and became a feedback loop to fund our work and spread our inspirational mission further! We don’t just want to see Abby achieve her big dreams of space–we want to see all young people find their own Mars and inspire them to achieve goals they never thought possible.

We’re working to change the narrative of who can be a scientist and what a scientist looks like. As Abby prepares to take this big step as the youngest person ever to go to space, she will not only make history, but she will also bring everyone along on the journey. Abby achieving her mission of going to space proves that no dream is too big or out of reach, and being young doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of changing the world!

Help Us Make History!

We know that space hasn’t just been a dream of Abby’s–it’s been a dream of an entire generation who has been following her story, and now we’re closer than ever to achieving that dream!

So, what do you say? Do you think The Mars Generation deserves to be elevated to the stars and beyond? Do you want to help us make history and in the process inspire generations to believe that no dream is too big?

Then click RT, donate, and let’s go to space.

STEM Outreach Activity: Asteroid Mining

February 17, 2021 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

Hey Student Space Ambassadors! This is an outreach activity that you can use as a Student Space Ambassador to teach kids and others about an Earth & Space Science topic. You can modify this activity to use in a Zoom presentation, in your classroom, with a club, at a STEM/STEAM event or even at a local library. Just be sure that if you’re in a group setting, you follow covid guidances!

Overview

Did you know that scientists and engineers are thinking about going to space to mine asteroids? This activity will have kids traveling to a distant asteroid to mine for minerals and other resources! Follow the steps with your kiddos at home!

Although the concept of asteroid mining seems like it belongs in science fiction, scientists, engineers, and even corporations are thinking about how it might happen one day. However, it is good to remind children that asteroid mining is not something going on in our solar system today. While NASA and various space agencies have visited—and even landed on—asteroids, we are still many years away from any large-scale mining projects. Children might have heard about other objects in the solar system. It would be helpful to discuss the differences between them if questions come up on the nature of these space objects.

Materials Needed

Markers
Printable Asteroid Drawing Worksheets
Printable Asteroid Mining Challenge Cards

Background Information

It’s exciting to imagine what our lives might be like in a future filled with more space exploration—and it’s also important. It’s still too expensive and difficult to mine asteroids today. But in the future, asteroids and dwarf planets in our solar system could become new sources for materials used in manufacturing, energy production, or supporting humans living in space.

When you imagine your asteroid mining machine, you’re doing a little bit of science. Before scientists and engineers can start mining, they need to come up with ideas for how their mining machines might work. Our society will also need to consider how mining asteroids might change our lives, now and into the future.

Robots designed for construction on the Moon, like the one imagined in this artist’s depiction, could also be used on asteroids.

NASA missions are helping researchers learn more about asteroids and the resources they might contain. These science missions are developing important technologies for asteroid exploration that could benefit anyone interested in exploring or mining asteroids, whether it’s NASA or a private company.

There are millions of asteroids orbiting the Sun, ranging in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers across. We’ll probably never visit them all, but even a small, house-sized asteroid could contain tons of metal for future technology on Earth, or life-sustaining water ice to support deep space exploration. Spacecraft traveling to nearby asteroids, like NASA’s OSIRIS-REx probe, are mapping and analyzing these space objects, which could someday help us better understand how to locate and mine potential resources.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, shown here as a model, will collect and return samples from the asteroid Bennu.

What Is Mining?

On Earth, the mining process takes minerals and other resources out of the ground to make new products. Mining can happen underground or on the surface, it uses many different kinds of machines and technologies, and it involves lots of different steps.

These steps include:

Review: What Is an Asteroid?

Asteroids are space objects that orbit the Sun but are much smaller than planets. They are leftover bits and pieces from the formation of the solar system. Scientists have counted about 800,000 asteroids so far—out of millions in our solar system—and found many different shapes and sizes. While asteroids are mostly made of rock, they can also contain metals and water ice. Most asteroids in the solar system can be found between Mars and Jupiter in a region called the asteroid belt.

Visiting An Asteroid

The millions of asteroids in our solar system are debris from its formation. By studying asteroids’ shapes, sizes, and compositions, scientists gather clues about how planets like Earth formed. The Psyche mission, expected to launch in 2022, will visit an asteroid called Psyche orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. Psyche is a rare asteroid—it’s made of metals like iron and nickel rather than rock. There are several hypotheses about how Psyche formed, but some scientists think that Psyche may be the core of a planet that had its exterior stripped away due to an enormous collision.

Asteroid Mining Activity

Now it’s time for your kiddos to step into the role of a NASA Scientist or Engineer! Begin this activity by printing out both the Asteroid Drawing Worksheet and the Asteroid Mining Challenge Cards listed above.

Encourage your children to use their imagination to design a mining machine. How does it work? What special instruments or tools does it need? Does their machine need to communicate back to Earth? How would it get power to operate?
Have your children draw a picture of their mining machine on the worksheet. Use the challenge cards if they need inspiration.
Have a conversation. Why would you mine an asteroid? What does the asteroid look like after mining? How do you think life on Earth would be different after asteroid mining?

As your kiddos imagine, talk about, and/or draw, you can engage them in conversation about what they are drawing (or just imagining) and ask them to expand on their ideas. Here are some example prompts, but you’ll also want to follow the lead of your kiddos:

How did your machine travel to the asteroid?
Where do the mined materials go in your machine and how much can it hold?
How does your machine break apart the surface of the asteroid?
Digging material out of an asteroid might just be the first step of a mining operation. What do you think happens next? Would you move it to a space station? Back to Earth? Why?

Children may also need some encouragement to talk about how their creations and asteroid mining in general might be connected with potential future scenarios. Once again, follow the interests of your kiddos. Here are some suggested prompts:

What might we be able to do with the resources mined from asteroids? How might they help us explore further?
Who should have access to asteroids to mine? Who should get to keep and use the resources? Individuals? Corporations? Governments?
How might mining on Earth change after asteroid mining starts? Who might be affected? How might the environment change?
Should we protect or preserve some asteroids and not allow mining there?

This activity is brought to The Mars Generation through Discovery Station via the 2020 Explore Science: Earth and Space program through the National Informal STEM Education Network.

Credits and rights:

Artist’s depiction of potential lunar robots courtesy NASA.

Artist’s depiction of OSIRIS-REx TAGing Bennu courtesy NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Developed and distributed by the National Informal STEM Education Network.

This material is based on work supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC67A and 80NSSC18M0061. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Co-Founder and President Abigail Harrison Appears on Good Morning America

February 16, 2021 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

Our mission at The Mars Generation is to inspire and empower young people to set big goals and get excited about the world of space and STEM. Our co-founder and president, Abigail Harrison, has just been featured on Good Morning America, specifically on GMA3: What You Need to Know, to talk about that mission, as well as her new book, Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars.

Abby’s book is a fun and practical guide to help young people find, plan for, and accomplish their goals, and it was just released on January 19th of this year! Abby will be donating 100% of her proceeds from her book to The Mars Generation non-profit, and the proceeds will go towards educating and energizing young people in fields of space and STEM, inspiring them to work toward a bright future. Abby and the book being featured on Good Morning America on their GMA3: What You Need to Know segment is not only exciting but also continues to forward our mission.

Be sure to check out the GMA3 segment to hear Abby talk about her goals behind writing Dream Big!, how COVID-19 has affected her journey to Mars, her mission for younger generations, and her #1 piece of advice for young people pursuing their dreams. During times like these, we know that there are a lot of young people who are unsure about their futures and are looking for guidance and how to find hope. Getting your own copy of Dream Big! is a great way to stay inspired and seek advice for how to keep reaching for your goals. You can order your copy here.

And be sure to watch Abby on Good Morning America–GMA3: What You Need to Know here.

School Library Journal Reviews: “Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars” by Our President Abigail Harrison

February 10, 2021 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

Our co-founder and president Abigail Harrison’s new inspirational book, Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars, released January of 2021, has been reviewed by Maile Steimer at School Library Reviews. Steimer calls Dream Big! “A recommended purchase for middle school and high school libraries.” She adds, “Counselors assisting high schoolers with college preparation and educators teaching leadership classes will find many of the journaling activities very useful.”

The reviewer is impressed with the book’s “conversational style,” the “inspirational quotes,” and the diverse inclusion of “illustrations depict[ing] characters with light and dark skin tones.” Maile notes, “Advice is provided on how to overcome fears and possible failures while achieving a balanced life and avoiding burnout. Harrison also emphasizes the need to seek out mentors and become a part of a diverse community to learn from others’ perspectives.” When considering Dream Big!’s ideal audience, the review says the content “is appropriate for middle and high school, with many of the strategies being pertinent to college and adult readers as well.”

Subscribe to the School Library Journal here to read the full review, and pre-order Abby Harrison’s new book, Dream Big! here.

10 Black Americans Who Made Extraordinary Contributions to Space Exploration

February 10, 2021 By groundsupport 2 Comments

February is Black History Month and we are celebrating extraordinary Black professionals who have contributed to space exploration and helped us get to where we are today, many of whom have been left out of the history books. These individuals are leaders in their fields and have each made history and broken barriers for future generations to accomplish great things. Much of what we know about outer space would not be possible without them. They reached new heights with their achievements (quite literally!) and are an inspiration for young people around the world. Keep reading to learn about some amazing people.

Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker was a mathematician and the first Black astronomer in the United States. He was largely self-taught, borrowing books and lunar tables from his neighbors. With his knowledge of astronomy, he surveyed land in Washington D.C.. During the day, he would use a regulator clock to determine longitudes, and at night, he would make astronomical observations. In 1789, he forecast his first eclipse.

His Journey

Banneker was an avid writer. He wrote an almanac for farmers to both predict weather patterns and share personal opinions. One of his most well-known writing pieces was Benjamin Banneker’s Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris, for the Year of Our Lord 1792. In this piece, there were writings about the universe, fables, and an excerpt from an abolitionist essay.

His Legacy

During his time, people were too focused on Banneker’s race to celebrate his accomplishments. Banneker grew frustrated by this and worked to show that his skin color did not define his intellect. He spent time working with Thomas Jefferson in a way no Black person had before, breaking barriers for more Black men and women to be involved with academia.

Photo Credit: NASA

Dorothy Vaughan

Dorothy Vaughan was a mathematician and “human computer” for NASA. She was the first Black person to supervise staff at West Area Computers. Vaughan spent 28 years in this position, teaching herself and the other women about machine computers and programming languages.

Her Journey

In 1929, Dorothy Vaughan graduated from Wilberforce University with her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She attended the university on a full-tuition scholarship from the West Virginia Conference of the A.M.E. Sunday School Convention. After graduating, she went on to work as a high school math teacher to assist her family during the Great Depression.

Vaughan began working for the Langley Research Center, NASA’s oldest flight center, in 1943 as a mathematician and programmer. Most of her work was based on calculating flight paths and computer programming. It was within Langley that Vaughan was assigned to the West Area Computers unit, and she became acting head in 1949. West Computers was composed of entirely female, Black mathematicians. These women worked on space missions for the Space Race and made complex math calculations by hand.

One notable member of Vaughan’s group was Katherine Johnson. As machine computers advanced and became more popular, Vaughan taught herself, Johnson and the other women how to use them. Through her decades-long career, she dedicated herself to promoting Black women’s involvement in STEM fields and paved the way for more female opportunities at NASA.

Her Legacy

Dorothy Vaughn led the way for Black women to be involved with NASA’s missions. Throughout her career, she worked to promote STEM education – teaching the other women all about computer programming when she could – and empower women to pursue their passion for science and technology. Today, much involvement of Black Americans and women in STEM is thanks to her.

Photo Credit: NASA Langley Research Center

Mary Jackson

Mary Jackson was a mathematician and aerospace engineer for both the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and NASA. She worked under Dorothy Vaughn at West Area Computers before going on to become NASA’s first Black female engineer. Just last year, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine shared that NASA’s headquarters would be named Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters, in her honor.

Her Journey

Jackson first worked as a research mathematician at Langley Research Center. After taking graduate courses in mathematics and physics, she was promoted to the position of aerospace engineer in 1958. As an engineer, Jackson researched airflow, thrust and drag forces, and wind tunnels. She worked in the High-Speed Aerodynamics Division, the Subsonic-Transonic Aerodynamics Division. Compressibility Research Division, and Full-Scale Research Division, and authored or co-authored 12 papers.

After 34 years of work, Jackson earned the most senior engineering title available. Following this accomplishment, she accepted a demotion to be a manager of both NASA’s Federal Women’s Program and Affirmative Action Program. In this position, she worked on hiring women and minorities in STEM fields.

Her Legacy

As NASA’s first female, Black engineer, Mary Jackson showed young Black women everywhere that they too could pursue their dreams. Her work in NASA’s Federal Women’s Program and Affirmative Action Program brought more women and minorities to NASA and other STEM programs, destroying stereotypes in the process.

Photo Credit: NASA

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician and one of the first Black women to work at NASA as a scientist. Her calculations were essential to some of the first human spaceflights. She calculated the trajectory for the space flight of Alan Shepherd – the first American to go to space – and verified electronic calculations of John Glenn’s orbit around Earth. She also worked on the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 missions.

Her Journey

Katherine Johnson broke countless barriers for Black women in STEM. In 1937, she graduated from West Virginia State University with degrees in mathematics and French – at only 18 years old! Professors had to add new math courses for her, as she took every math class offered. Johnson went on to attend graduate school at West Virginia University, the first Black woman to do so.

At the start of her NASA career, Johnson worked as a “human computer,” performing long calculations by hand before electronic computers were available. She and the Black women in her computing group were required to work separate from their white peers in an office labeled “Colored Computers.”

When talking about the adversity she faced, Johnson said, “We needed to be assertive as women in those days – assertive and aggressive – and the degree to which we had to be that way depended on where you were. I had to be.”

Despite racial segregation laws, NASA missions wouldn’t fly without Johnson. In fact, John Glenn refused to fly unless Johnson herself verified the calculations for his orbit. Even today, her work continues to influence spaceflight. Before her death, Johnson worked on plans for future Mars missions.

Her Legacy

Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, but her legacy still lives on. Two NASA facilities have been named after her: the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility in Hampton, Virginia, and the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia. Following her death, a satellite named “Katherine” was launched in her honor, and this month, Northrop Grumman named their spacecraft “SS Katherine Johnson” after her.

Harvey Washington Banks

In 1961, Harvey Washington Banks graduated from George Washington University and the first Black person to receive a Ph.D. degree in astronomy. Before earning his doctorate, Banks earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Howard University. He went on to teach at Delaware State College and Howard University.

His Journey

Banks spent his career researching orbits, celestial mechanics, solar eclipse, and satellites. He focused on spectroscopy, which uses light to study celestial bodies, and geodesy, which is the study of Earth’s shape and orientation. His work in geodesy, in particular, has influenced today’s Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

His Legacy

Much of our understanding of the Earth’s orientation and GPS technology would not be possible without Harvey Washington Banks. He broke barriers for Black people looking to be involved in academia and demonstrated that his intellect was not defined by the color of his skin.

Photo Credit: US Air Force

Robert Henry Lawrence Jr.

Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. was an Air Force Officer and made history as the first Black astronaut in June of 1967. His contributions to space exploration have inspired generations of Black men and women. While his career was brief, Lawrence earned both the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Outstanding Unit Citation.

His Journey

When he was 21 years old, Lawrence became a US Air Force pilot. He went on to earn the position of senior USAF pilot and flew test flights to study the gliding flight of spacecraft returning to Earth from orbit. He logged over 2,500 flight hours during his service. During this time in the Air Force, Lawrence also earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in physical chemistry.

Lawrence was chosen to be an astronaut in 1967 after the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He was selected to be a part of the Air Force’s Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL) program, an early concept of crewed space stations. However, Lawrence never got to go to space. He was killed in a plane crash later that year, at only 32 years old.

His Legacy

While Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. never got to go to space himself, he paved the way for other Black people to do so. His selection as an astronaut made history, and he inspired others to follow in his lead and accomplish their dreams. He didn’t let the adversity he faced hold him back. He was determined to reach new heights, and along the way, he inspired generations to come.

Photo Credit: NASA

Guion Bluford

Guion Bluford made history in 1983 as the first Black person to go to space as part of the STS-8 mission. During this mission, he also became the second person of African ancestry to fly in space, the first being cosmonaut Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez.

His Journey

Before his NASA career, Bluford was a member of the United States Air Force and has logged over 5,000 hours of jet flight time. He received his pilot wings in 1966 and trained as a fighter pilot. In the Vietnam War, he flew over 125 combat missions. Bluford went on to graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1978 with a doctorate in aerospace engineering.

Bluford was a part of NASA astronaut group 8. He flew as a Mission Specialist on four space missions: STS-8, STS-61-A, STS-39, and STS-53. The missions STS-8 and STS-61-A each made history, respectively. STS-8 was the first mission to launch and land at night, and STS-61-A was the first mission to carry eight crew members, the largest crew to have flown in space at the time.

In total, Bluford spent 28 days, 16 hours, and 33 minutes in space. During this time, he conducted dozens of tests and experiments, including researching the physiological effects of space flight and collecting data on Earth’s aurora. He also helped deploy the Global Low Orbiting Message Relay Satellite and operate the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System.

His Legacy

Guion Bluford broke down barriers for Black people dreaming of being involved with space exploration. He paved the way for Black men and women to reach for their stars and accomplish their goals. When talking about his history-making mission, he said, “I wanted to set the standard, do the best job possible so that other people would be comfortable with African-Americans flying in space and African-Americans would be proud of being participants in the space program and… encourage others to do the same.” Rest assured, he did just that!

Photo Credit: NASA

Mae C Jemison

In 1992, Mae C. Jemison made history as the first Black woman to fly in space. She was a part of the mission STS-47, where she served as Mission Specialist 4 and Science Mission Specialist. Jemison spent eight days in space, where she conducted numerous experiments, most notably researching bone cells.

Her Journey

Jemison knew she wanted to go to space at a young age. NASA’s Apollo-era fueled her passion. As she watched the Apollo missions unfold from home, she was frustrated by the lack of female astronauts. This irritation drove her to want to make her mark on history and become an astronaut herself.

In 1977, Jemison graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering and African and African-American studies. She then enrolled in Cornell Medical School, where she worked for the Flying Doctors before graduating with her M.D. degree in 1981. She worked as a medical officer for the Peace Corps and conducted research with the Centers for Disease Control before applying to be an astronaut.

Her Legacy

While Jemison only flew on one space mission, her advocacy to promote STEM education has never ended. She founded The Jemison Group, Inc., which investigates the socio-cultural impact of technological advancements, and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, which creates educational programs. One program is The Earth We Share, a science camp for students to improve science education and problem-solving skills.

Today, Jemison is a member of the Association of Space Explorers, the American Medical Association, and the American Chemical Society. She continues to be an active public speaker, sharing her story and inspiring others to reach for their stars.

Photo Credit: NASA

Bernard A. Harris

Bernard A. Harris is a former NASA astronaut who made history as the first Black person to perform a spacewalk. His dream of becoming an astronaut began in 1969 when he watched the Apollo 11 astronauts land on the Moon for the first time. Over twenty years later, in 1990, that dream came true when NASA selected him to become an astronaut.

His Journey

Harris first flew as a Mission Specialist on STS-55 in August of 1991. For ten days, he conducted experiments aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Four years later, in 1995, Harris was a part of STS-63 as a Payload Commander. STS-63 was the first flight of the joint Russian-American space program. It was during this mission that Harris became the first Black person to perform a spacewalk. He did so alongside Michael Foale, the first British-born spacewalker.

Harris also worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as a clinical scientist and flight surgeon. He graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in 1982 with his M.D. degree. During this time, he studied how the human body adapts to outer space.

His Legacy

In 1998, Harris founded The Harris Foundation, which offers support to programs dedicated to supporting the health and education of minority groups and empowering young people to follow their dream. Harris is currently the CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative, a nonprofit organization that promotes accessible STEM education.

Photo Credit: NASA

Stephanie Wilson

Stephanie Wilson is an aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut. She was the second Black woman to go to space and has spent the longest in space of any Black female astronaut, logging over 42 days in space. She has flown on three missions: STS-121, STS-120, STS-131.

Her Journey

Before going to space, Wilson worked in the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch and as a communicator for on-orbit crews in Mission Control. In the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch, she worked on Space Station displays and procedures and Space Shuttle engines, tanks, and boosters.

On her first mission, STS-121, Wilson helped transfer over 20,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. She also developed increased safety procedures for space shuttle operations, produced high-resolution images of the Shuttle, and assisted in robotic arm operations.

A year later, Wilson helped deliver Harmony, a utility hub, to the International Space Station as part of STS-120. This mission also brought a new crew member to the ISS for Expedition 16 and brought a member of Expedition 15 and a member of Expedition 16 home.

On her final mission, Wilson was responsible for space station robotics. She operated the space station’s robotic arm to both remove and reinstall the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. STS-131 was also the first time four women were in space at the same time.

In 2020, it was announced that Stephanie Wilson was a part of NASA’s new Artemis Team. This group is composed of 18 individuals headed back to the Moon. Wilson is one of nine women on the team, one of which will be the first woman to step foot on the Moon. Also a part of this group are Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, who completed the first all-female spacewalk together in 2019. Wilson was a ground controller for this spacewalk.

Her Legacy

Stephanie Wilson continues to break barriers. As the second Black woman to go to space, she has led the way for other Black women to follow in her footsteps and reach new heights. On the Artemis Team, she will continue to do so, and we look forward to seeing what she will accomplish!

Photo Credit: Credits: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Charles Bolden

Charles Bolden made history in 2009 as the first Black person to serve as NASA administrator on a permanent basis. Before becoming an administrator, Bolden was a NASA astronaut and member of the United States Marine Corps.

His Journey

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1968, Bolden earned the position of Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1970. He flew in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Thunder and throughout his service, accumulated over 6,000 hours of flight time.

Bolden was selected to become an astronaut in 1981 as part of NASA Astronaut Group 9. He flew on four space missions: STS-61-C, STS-31, STS-45, and STS-60. On STS-61-C and STS-31, he served as the mission pilot, and on STS-45 and STS-60, he was the mission commander. While completing these missions, Bolden became the first person to ride the Launch Complex 39 slide wire baskets, which were used as an escape from the Space Shuttle. Also on these missions, Bolden and his other crew members helped deploy the SATCOM Ku band satellite and the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as conduct various tests and experiments.

Bolden was appointed to be the administrator of NASA in 2009 by then-President Barack Obama. His goals were to promote STEM education, empower young people to get involved with space exploration, and expand international relationships, specifically with the Muslim world. He also focused on developing missions to Mars, and in 2012, he became the first human to have his voice broadcast on the Red Planet.

His Legacy

Charles Bolden’s time as NASA administrator left a lasting impact on NASA. Today, we are still going after Mars. This month, NASA’s Perseverance rover will touch down on the Red Planet and hopefully one day soon, humans will touch down as well. His service as administrator also was historic for Black people looking to be involved in space exploration, and he opened new doors for anyone dreaming of doing so.

Photo Credit: NASA

Victor J Glover

Last year, Victor J Glover made history when he became the first Black crew member of an ISS Expedition to live on the International Space Station long term. On November 15, 2020, Glover flew onboard the first operational flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. This was his first mission, and he is currently living on the ISS as a station systems flight engineer for Expeditions 64 and 65. He is one of only 14 Black Americans who have gone to space.

His Journey

Before becoming an astronaut, Glover served time in the United States Navy., earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He joined in 2001, and, in 2007, he was designated as a test pilot. As a Naval Aviator, he has been deployed throughout the United States and Japan. He has logged over 3,000 hours of flight time and served in 24 combat missions.

Glover holds three Master of Science degrees: Masters of Flight Test Engineering from Air University, Masters of Systems Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School, and Masters of Military Operational Art and Sciences from Air University. He also earned certificates in Space Systems and Legislative studies.

His Legacy

Victor J Glover’s legacy has only just begun. As private and commercial spaceflight become more popular, we will look back to the first operational flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and celebrate Glover and the other astronauts’ historical accomplishments. He is also breaking limits each day he spends onboard the ISS. Glover is an inspiration for the new wave of aspiring astronauts, and he’ll continue to accomplish great things on future missions.

Everlasting Legacy

The accomplishments of these Black engineers, scientists, astronauts, and mathematicians have broken barriers so that new generations of Black men and women can too follow their dreams. They are leaders in their fields and are role models for young people wanting to get involved in STEM. Their stories of perseverance and success are inspiring, and their legacy should never be forgotten.

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