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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

How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13

April 11, 2021 By Abigail Harrison 4 Comments

This month, we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission. This mission was supposed to make history as the third to land on the Moon, but instead, it left a much greater impact. When an oxygen tank failed, it was up to NASA and Apollo’s three-person crew to improvise a solution to get everyone home safe. This mission demonstrated that even in the face of danger, when people work together, they can accomplish incredible things.

As I wrote in Chapter Seven of my book, Dream Big!: How to Reach for Your Stars, “One of the most unifying human qualities is creativity.” It was creativity that brought people from all around the world together to save the crew of Apollo 13. Their teamwork showed what humanity can achieve when we work together towards a common goal, and the lessons learned from this mission taught people the power of innovation. Keep reading to learn more about the power of creativity and how it brought the crew of Apollo 13 home safely!

Apollo 13 mission emblem
Image credit: NASA

Apollo 13: The Mission

Apollo 13 is one of the most well-known space missions in history. It was the seventh crewed Apollo mission and was commanded by Jim Lovell. Lovell served alongside command module pilot Jack Swigert and Apollo Lunar Module pilot Fred Haise. While Lovell was a veteran astronaut, Apollo 13 was the first mission for Swigert and Haise, and it sure put all their training to the test!

NASA’s Apollo Program

NASA’s Apollo program began in 1961 and was dedicated to landing the first humans on the Moon. It was the United States’ third human spaceflight program, preceded by Project Mercury and Project Gemini. Project Mercury capsules could carry one crew member, Project Gemini’s could carry two, and the Apollo spacecraft could carry three.

The Apollo spacecraft consisted of three main parts:

The command module, which carried the astronauts from launch to landing.
The service module which supported this Command Module and contained a service propulsion engine and a fuel cell power generation system.
The Apollo Lunar Module, which was designed to land on the lunar surface with two astronauts and then return them back to the command module after they completed their mission.

In total, there were seventeen Apollo missions, and ultimately, twelve astronauts stepped foot on the Moon. These missions were momentous in space exploration and each made history in their own right. However, these accomplishments didn’t come without trial, error, and hard work, and they wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable team rallying behind them.

The Mission of Apollo 13

Before Apollo 13, there were seven crewed Apollo missions. Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 were the first and second to land on the Moon, and Apollo 13 was meant to be the third.

On the lunar surface, Apollo 13 was set to conduct numerous experiments to study the composition of the Moon.

After months of testing and preparation, the mission launched on April 11, 1970, from the John F Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The command, service, and lunar modules were carried on board a Saturn V rocket. The Command and Service Module was nicknamed Odyssey and the Apollo Lunar Module was nicknamed Aquarius. These spacecraft carried Jim Lovell, John Swigert, and Fred Haise on a mission meant to last four days. But after technical failure two days in, the mission went on to be much longer.

Disaster Strikes Apollo 13

“Houston, we’ve had a problem.”

These famous words were uttered by Jim Lovell as he reported an explosion in the spacecraft to NASA. The second oxygen tank had blown up, and as a result, the regular supply of oxygen, water, and electricity were shut down. Odyssey, where the astronauts were living, was leaking oxygen and losing fuel cells at a rapid pace as the spacecraft flew farther and farther from Earth.

Just minutes before, Lovell had been conducting a routine task in which he turned on the fans in the fuel and oxygen tanks. This was meant to stir the oxygen to avoid it separating into layers. Unknown to the astronauts, inside the second oxygen tank, there was a damaged wire. When the fans were turned on, the wire caused a spark and started a fire. Soon after, the tank exploded and severely damaged other equipment in the area.

Mission Control Center during Apollo 13 splashdown
Image credit: NASA JSC

Apollo 13: Creative Thinking Saves the Day

When disaster struck Apollo 13, the crew found themselves trapped 200,000 miles away from Earth. The worst was feared as NASA faced a crisis they had never dealt with before. Scientists from around the world needed to come together and think creatively in order to bring the astronauts back home safely.

The Problems

The explosion aboard the spacecraft presented numerous problems. The crew now faced a severe shortage of oxygen, water, electricity, and light. Temperatures dropped drastically, hitting a low of roughly 38 °F, and food became inedible. Oxygen vented out of the spacecraft at a rapid pace, and attitude control thrusters were damaged by the explosion and unable to stabilize the spacecraft. Life support systems were inoperable and in order to conserve resources for reentry, Command Module systems needed to be shut down. These systems helped the spacecraft operate, navigate, and support the astronauts, but the ones that were nonessential were turned off until it was time to return home.

In order to survive, the crew had to transfer to Aquarius, the Landing Module meant to land on the Moon. They moved to this part of the spacecraft quickly, around an hour after the explosion occurred. However, this spacecraft was only designed to support two men for two days and lacked a heat shield needed for reentry. Scientists and engineers needed to figure out how to solve each of these problems and conserve limited and damaged resources.

The Solution

The first problem NASA teams needed to work out was what flight path the astronauts could take home. With limited supplies, conserving time was of utmost importance. However, taking a shorter path was a riskier approach, and no one wanted to take any chances. Due to this, mission control decided to guide the spacecraft on a longer route – traveling around the Moon before heading back to Earth – and they came up with creative ways to conserve supplies.

This new flight path would take four days. For this duration, the astronauts transferred to stay in Aquarius, which scientists reconfigured to support the three of them. One system they created was a “mail box.”

Apollo 13 Lunar Module “Mail Box”
Image Credit: NASA

This arrangement took lithium hydroxide canisters from the Command Module to get rid of carbon dioxide from the Landing Module. This “mail box” was made solely out of a plastic bag, a spacesuit hose, cardstock, and duct tape and successfully kept carbon dioxide levels down for the duration of the flight.

To deal with issues of food and water, the crew had to ration what they consumed. Each astronaut was limited to six ounces of water per day (that’s about half a standard plastic water bottle!), and they lost a total of 31 pounds during their mission. Their intake was strictly monitored because not only did the astronauts need water, but the spacecraft did as well. Water helps cool machinery down and prevents any further damage caused by heat exposure.

The temperature in the spacecraft, which dropped to 38℉, was also an issue. Lovell and Haise put on the boots they were supposed to wear when they walked on the Moon. Swigert didn’t have a pair (because he was never supposed to walk outside the spacecraft) so instead, he had to put on extra clothing to keep warm.

While conditions were rough, everyone came together to make sure the astronauts made it back home alive. NASA teams worked round the clock to improvise solutions to help the crew stay safe during their four-day journey home, and ultimately, they were successful. On April 17, the astronauts splashed down in the South Pacific Ocean. They were successfully picked up by American ships, but two ships from the Soviet Union were also present at the site in case more help was needed. Haise suffered from a kidney and urinary tract infection, but the crew had otherwise made it back home unharmed.

President Nixon and Apollo 13 crewmen
Image credit: NASA JSC

Apollo 13: The Legacy

What could have been a terrible failure turned into an important moment in history. Apollo 13 demonstrated the power of humanity and how, when great minds come together, people can accomplish extraordinary things. The lessons we learned from Apollo 13 have changed both the space industry and the world of science.

Public Response

When the astronauts began their descent back to Earth, countries around the world were ready to pick them up. Soviet Union ships were at the landing area ready to offer assistance, and multiple other countries offered resources as well, including France, Uruguay, and Burundi. Years prior, many of these countries had signed the International Agreement for the Safe Return of Astronauts, which said they would take any and all needed steps to rescue astronauts in distress. This agreement exemplified the power of international collaboration.

Tens of millions of people everywhere watched Apollo 13’s splashdown, united in their concern for the crew As Jack Gould, a reporter for the New York Times, put it:

“The venture, which came so close to tragic disaster, in all probability united the world in mutual concern more fully than another successful landing on the moon would have.”

Change in Mission Design

While this mission was a close call, the experience helped NASA make improvements to their spacecraft and ultimately learn. For subsequent Apollo missions, oxygen tanks were redesigned, thermostats were modified, and stirring fans were removed. Emergency water and batteries were added to the Command Module, and another oxygen tank was added so that one would never go below half full. This third tank was set up so that it could be isolated from fuel cells and the other oxygen tanks if an emergency arose. Furthermore, all electrical wiring was upgraded to be lined with stainless steel and monitoring systems were changed to detect and alert the crew of anomalies sooner.

The Power of Space Exploration

As evident with Apollo 13, space exploration has the power to bring the world together. Scientists and engineers everywhere gave their all to help rescue the three stranded astronauts. In their efforts, they developed innovations and technologies that revolutionized spaceflight. The creative solutions they came up with have assisted people everywhere, not just astronauts, and have had lasting impacts on our lives.

Apollo 13 demonstrated the power of teamwork as people achieved things that had never been done before. While the mission didn’t fulfill its intended goal, it was by no means a failure. Without the lessons we learned from Apollo 13, we would not be able to achieve the things we have today.

The Power of Creativity

Apollo 13 showed us just how powerful creativity is. Creativity can turn failures into extraordinary successes, but none of that would be possible without people’s hard work and dedication. To learn more about the importance of creativity in achieving your goals, check out my new book, Dream Big!: How to Reach For Your Stars. Inside, I share my advice for chasing after your dreams, developing your creativity, and discuss important habits to develop that’ll help you get there.

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.

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.

If you want to learn more about space and STEM pioneers, follow The Mars Generation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and sign up for our email list.

Mark Your Calendars: The Top Space Missions of 2021

February 9, 2021 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

Get ready for take-off! 2021 is going to be an incredible year for space exploration! Around the world, people have come together to push the boundaries of science and technology. From landing on other celestial bodies to seeing further into the universe than we ever have before, these missions will go down in the history books. Human spaceflight is taking a whole new form, and missions years in the making are finally launching. This is going to be a big year, so buckle up and keep reading to learn more about the space missions you should pay attention to in 2021!

Disclaimer: This post was written in January 2021. Dates for these missions are subject to change.

February 2021: Missions to Mars – Preparing for Astronauts to Land

Let’s kick it off with our personal favorite! Mars is a highly sought after destination. Scientists believe it may have once been able to support life and, with the proper technology, may be able to in the future. The hope is that one day, astronauts will be able to step foot on the Red Planet and survive there for a long time. Our president and co-founder, Abigail Harrison, hopes to be among that team!

But before humans can land on Mars, scientists need to send spacecraft. These orbiters, rovers, and helicopters analyze Mars’ conditions to figure out how astronauts will survive. This year there are three missions headed to do just that, and they are all arriving this February!

Photo credit: UAE Space Agency

1. February 9, 2021: Hope Mars Mission

The Hope Mars Mission consists of an orbiter launched by the United Arab Emirates Space Agency. Hope, as the orbiter has been dubbed, will enter Mars’ orbit on February 9th and circle the planet for two years.

Hope Mars: Mission

The Hope orbiter will study Mars’ weather cycles, specifically dust storms, climate change, and why Mars is losing hydrogen and oxygen to space. Hope will fly higher than any previous Martian satellites, allowing scientists to research large-scale weather patterns and all four Martian seasons.

Hope Mars: Significance

This mission is the first interplanetary mission by an Arab country. It is also the first mission to Mars by any West Asian or Muslim majority country! We love to see this progress!

Photo credit: CNSA

2. February 10, 2021: Tianwen-1

Tianwen-1 is a dynamic mission to Mars consisting of a rover, a camera, a lander, and an orbiter. It is being conducted by the China National Space Administration and will make its orbital insertion on February 10th. Its rover will land a few months later in May or June at Mars’ Utopia Planitia. This location is a plain within the largest recognized impact basin on Mars.

Tianwen-1: Mission

Tianwen-1 has numerous goals. It will seek signs of past and present life on the Red Planet and study soil composition, water ice distribution, and the atmosphere. This mission also aims to demonstrate the technologies needed for a future mission that will return samples from Mars to Earth.

Tianwen-1: Significance

If the rover lands successfully, China will become the second country to have ever landed a rover on Mars! Welcome to the club, China!

Photo Credit: NASA

3. February 10, 2021: Mars 2020

Mars 2020 is the mission name for the duo Perseverance and Ingenuity. These are a rover and helicopter drone, respectively, launched by NASA that will land at Mars’ Jezero crater on February 18th, 2021. Scientists think the Jezero crater was once a lake, making it an important site to explore. Upon landing, this mission is set to last about 1 Mars year, which is approximately 687 Earth days.

Mars 2020: Mission

Perseverance and Ingenuity have different missions. Perseverance will study Mars’ habitability and seek out signs of past and present life. It also will collect Martian samples for a future mission that will bring said samples back to Earth. Perseverance will also work on landing techniques for future missions and study conditions on the Red Planet that affect astronaut survival. Meanwhile, Ingenuity will guide Perseverance from the sky, dodging rocky terrain and scoping out new sites. Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait!

Mars 2020: Significance

If successful, Ingenuity will be the first powered flight on a planet beyond Earth. This means that a team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be controlling Ingenuity’s movements remotely. Also, two audio microphones will be used for the first time during landing.

Photo credit: ISRO

March 2021: Chandrayaan-3 – Making India the 4th Country to Land on the Moon!

Chandrayaan-3 is a mission conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation consisting of a rover and a lander. It is headed to the Moon’s south pole at the Aitken basin and is expected to arrive in March.

Chandrayaan-3: Mission

Chandrayaan-3 will collect samples from its landing sites for further study and demonstrate its landing and night survival technologies.

Chandrayaan-3: Significance

If successful, Chandrayaan-3 will make the Indian Space Research Organisation the fourth country to conduct a soft lunar landing. It will also be a major success following the failed, previous mission Chandrayaan-2.

Update as of April 2021: This mission has been rescheduled to 2022 as COVID-19 has limited spacecraft testing opportunities.

Photo credit: Boeing/NASA

March 29, 2021: Boeing Starliner – Private Spaceflight on the Rise

The Boeing Company is an aerospace manufacturer that has partnered with NASA for the Commercial Crew Program. This program transports crews to and from the International Space Station in the first crewed space flights by private companies. Boeing’s Starliner is one of the crew capsules that will do this.

Boeing Starliner: Mission

Before Boeing can send crews into space, they need to conduct plenty of test flights. On March 29th, Boeing will conduct the second orbital test flight in Earth’s orbit, uncrewed. If successful, Boeing will move on to the first crewed test flight, currently scheduled to launch in the middle of this year. Then, by the end of the year, the first operational flight of Boeing Starliner will launch.

Boeing Starliner: Significance

The launches of Boeing Starliner are significant because spaceflight by privately-owned companies is so new! In the past, we have only seen SpaceX accomplish such a feat. Using privately-owned companies to launch spacecraft is exciting because it’s more affordable. We can expect various benefits to be opened as spaceflight becomes more easily accessible.

Update as of April 2021: Boeing’s second orbital test flight has been delayed to August or September 2021. Due to this, the first crewed test flight and first operational flight have been pushed back as well.

First Half of 2021: Chinese Space Station, Tianhe – Back to Space!

In the first half of this year, the first module of the new Chinese space station, Tianhe, will launch! The entire space station will be about 20% as massive as the International Space Station. China is not included in the 15-nation partnership of the International Space Station but had a prototype space station, Tiangong-1, from September 2011 to April 2018.

Tianhe: Mission

The Tianhe module will launch from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan, China, onboard a Long March 5th B rocket. It will be a living space for astronauts and provide needed life support. The entire construction of the space station is set to be completed by 2022.

Tianhe: Significance

This is a demonstration of the China National Space Administration’s technologies and their ability to house astronauts in space! With their space station, CNSA astronauts will conduct scientific tests and experiments in ways they were unable to before.

Photo credit: NASA

July 22, 2021: DART Mission – Asteroid Defense

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is being conducted by NASA and will launch July 22nd. The DART spacecraft aims to test technologies needed for planetary defense. But don’t worry about a giant asteroid coming our way just yet! It is important to note that there is no immediate threat coming to Earth … at this time.

DART: Mission

The DART spacecraft is headed to the Didymos binary asteroid and is set to arrive in September 2022. There are two bodies of this asteroid: the primary and the moonlet. The primary is larger, roughly 780 meters across, and the moonlet is approximately 160 meters across. DART will crash into the moonlet, changing the moonlet’s speed in its orbit around the primary body. We like this solution a little more than the one in Michael Bay’s Armageddon (1998), to say the least.

DART: Significance

This mission is the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique. This is a technique that aims to change the motion of an asteroid in space. If successful, this will be a useful tool in planetary defense! You only need to go to the dinosaur exhibit of any natural history museum to see why this is important!

Update as of April 2021: The DART mission launch window has been delayed to later this year. The window will open on November 24, 2021.

Photo credit: NASA/Goddard/Rebecca Roth

Fall 2021: Commercial Lunar Payload Services – Resources to the Moon

Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) is a program operated by NASA that allows American companies to send lunar payload deliveries to the Moon. (Payload is another word for cargo and is what the spacecraft will be carrying.) These payloads will bring resources, technologies, and equipment needed to future NASA Artemis missions. Beginning in 2021, NASA aims to launch two CLPS missions each year.

CLPS: Mission

The two companies that will send payloads in 2021 are Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines, both launching in the fall. Astrobotic Technology has 11 payloads that it will send to a large crater on the near side of the Moon called Lacus Mortis. Intuitive Machines has five payloads it will send to Oceanus Procellarum, a dark spot on the lunar surface. Fun fact: each payload is about the size of a shoebox!

CLPS: Significance

These missions’ success will mark the first time an American robotic mission has landed on the Moon in nearly 50 years! The payloads brought to the lunar surface will help ensure the success of the future Artemis missions, which plan to send the first woman to the Moon!

Photo credit: Roscosmos

October 1, 2021: Luna 25 – Russia is Going Back to the Moon!

Russia is headed back to the Moon with Luna 25! The previous mission, Luna 24, launched in 1976 and successfully returned moon samples to Earth. Luna 25 is picking back up on the Luna program and is set to launch on October 1st, through their space agency Roscosmos.

Luna 25: Mission

Luna 25 consists of a lander with a robotic arm and drilling hardware. Its mission is to test landing technology and study the composition and structure of the lunar soil and exosphere. It will land at the Moon’s south pole, a prospective site for moon bases.

Luna 25: Significance

This robotic mission will be the first time Russia has gone to the Moon since 1976 and the first time a spacecraft has landed at the lunar south pole!

Photo credit: NASA

October 31, 2021: James Webb Space Telescope – Replacing Hubble!

The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope – nicknamed Webb – has been long-awaited. The development has been a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It was originally supposed to launch in 2007, but after years of testing and delays, it is now set to launch this year on October 31st!

Webb: Mission

Webb is set to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope, which was launched in 1990. It has improved infrared sensitivity, which allows it to look closer to the beginning of time and see the formation of the first stars, planetary systems, and galaxies.

Webb: Significance

Webb will be the largest and most powerful telescope to have ever gone to space! It will be able to peer deeper into space and close at objects we have never been able to see before. Who else is excited for what we’re going to see? We definitely are!

Photo credit: NASA

November 2021: Artemis 1 – Returning the Moon!

The last mission of 2021 is the first un-crewed launch of the Artemis program! This mission consists of the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket, which are set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center this November.

Artemis 1: Mission

The mission of Artemis 1 is to send the un-crewed Orion spacecraft to orbit the Moon. During this mission’s duration, scientists will demonstrate how crew module entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery will look for future human missions.

Artemis 1: Significance

Artemis 1 is the first step to sending humans back to the Moon! The mission will set the baseline for future Artemis missions that will ultimately place the first woman and next man on the Moon. Artemis 1 will also be launched using NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the most powerful rocket ever constructed.

Mark Your Calendars!

Wow, what an exciting year for space exploration! We are headed to the Moon, Mars, and even asteroids. Human spaceflight as we know it has been revolutionized and scientists are making leaps and bounds towards amazing discoveries!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and sign up for our email list, so you don’t miss any historical space events in 2021!

Microsoft and NASA Invite The Mars Generation Founder, Abigail Harrison, to Attend Downlink Event

February 29, 2020 By groundsupport 1 Comment

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, UNITED STATES, February 29, 2020 / The Mars Generation (TMG) today announced that its co-founder, Abigail Harrison, will join Microsoft and NASA at an event at the Museum of Flight in Seattle on March 2, focused on making science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) opportunities accessible to all. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station, including Jessica Meir, will join via a live In-Flight Education Downlink to share their experiences of working and living in space, and to answer questions from attendees. The downlink for the event will be live streamed online for public viewing. Microsoft and NASA are hosting this event in response to the anticipated 9 million STEM jobs that will be created by 2022, and the desire to see women and minorities accessing those jobs.

The event will kick off Microsoft’s In Culture campaign to honor International Women’s Day on March 8th, and throughout Women’s History Month by recognizing women who are overcoming obstacles and breaking boundaries—with the goal of encouraging young women and girls to pursue their goals without giving up. Harrison, known online as Astronaut Abby, is a leader in STEM who inspires the future by encouraging people of all backgrounds to pursue big dreams.

“Women and people of color are significantly underrepresented in STEM careers and in the pathways that lead to those careers,” said Harrison. “I fiercely believe that we will close that gap, and I am thrilled to be a part of the movement that will do it. Giving young people access to people like astronaut Jessica Meir and the information that she’ll share during this event, can help keep their minds open to the possibilities of what they can do themselves.”

Microsoft is sponsoring Harrison’s attendance at the event as she is known for using her leadership and widespread global influence to increase focus on space exploration as vital to the future of humankind. She has also been vocal about the need for people of all backgrounds to have a seat at the table, and advocates tirelessly for the importance of diverse perspectives being represented in STEM and beyond.

About The Mars Generation

The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an advisory board that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists, and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. Reaching millions of people since 2015, the organization has served students and adults from around the world through programs including the Student Space Ambassador Program, Future of Space Outreach Program, and Space Camp Scholarship Program. The Mars Generation is supported by private donors, members, influencer work, and major corporate sponsors. The Mars Generation aims to excite, educate and inspire all people about the future of human space exploration.

For more information, visit TheMarsGeneration.org.

About Astronaut Abby

At age 13, Abigail Harrison, now commonly known as Astronaut Abby, publicly shared her dream of becoming the first astronaut to land on Mars. Since then, Harrison has worked diligently to stay on course and pursue this dream. Now 22 years old, she is a respected thought leader who is passionate and vocal about space exploration and uses her widespread influence, leadership, and The Mars Generation to foster support and enthusiasm for human space exploration. Harrison has been hailed as one of the most influential people in STEM and has earned accolades for her leadership including Forbes 30 Under 30, Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year, and TIAA Difference Maker 100.

For more information, visit AstronautAbby.com.

AI in Space | #AskAbby | Season 2 | Episode 12 | The Mars Generation

December 3, 2019 By groundsupport Leave a Comment

Season 2, Episode 12 of The #AskAbby Space and Science Show

Presented by TheMarsGeneration.org

What is artificial intelligence and how can it be used in space?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here so you don’t miss an episode!

In the 12th episode of Season 2 of #AskAbby, please join aspiring astronaut Abigail Harrison, aka Astronaut Abby, as she answers the question “What is artificial intelligence and how can it be used in space?” Find out why and how artificial intelligence could be useful to space travel and how big space agencies like SpaceX, Airbus, and NASA are using it right now!

Includes answers to questions including: What is the definition of artificial intelligence? What are recent developments in space in AI? What is AEGIS? How does the Mars Curiosity Rover zap rocks with a 93% accuracy? What is CIMON and how could it help astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS)? Why are human astronauts still valuable to send to space? Why are engineers and scientists so obsessed with acronyms? And most importantly…will a robot with artificial intelligence turn into deadly HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey?! (*gasp*)

Tune in on Tuesdays for new releases of The #AskAbby Space and Science Show! To submit a question to #AskAbby go to ► http://bit.ly/2DfPz7b

Transcription of A.I. IN SPACE

ABBY
Siri, how far is it to the sun?

SIRI
1.01 Astronomical Units

ABBY
How many moons does Mars have?

SIRI
I found Phobos and Deimos

ABBY
Siri, what are the 3 laws of Robotics?

SIRI
I forget the first three, but there’s a fourth. A smart machine shall first consider which is more worth its while: to perform the given task or instead, to figure some way out of it.

ABBY
Wait, what?

Can we really trust artificial intelligence, especially in something as difficult as space exploration?

Well, today, we’re going to go ahead and talk about it. That’s today’s topic for Ask Abby: Artificial Intelligence.

*Show Intro*

Hi there. I’m Astronaut Abby, an aspiring astronaut with the goal to be the first person to walk on Mars! Welcome to Ask Abby where I answer questions about space and science submitted by you, the viewers!

Today we’re answering the question “How can Artificial Intelligence be implemented to help with space exploration?”

This is a great question because it seems like everyone is wondering about the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence.

That’s because artificial intelligence has incredible potential to impact space travel…and not by becoming murderous.

That’s right, I’m lookin’ at you HAL.

But before we get started, what even is Artificial Intelligence?

Well, the definition according to the English Oxford Living Dictionary is: “The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.”

There’s a ton of different definitions, but they all include imitation of human behavior, the ability to adapt to change, and to learn.

So how does A.I. actually help with space travel? Well, one prominent and recent example is back in 2016, when NASA gave the Mars Curiosity Rover an A.I. program called AEGIS. AEGIS stands for Autonomous Exploration for Gathering Increased Science.

I know, again with the acronyms. C’mon LUMCH, guys, LUMCH. (Let’s. Use. More. Creativity. Here.)

But anyways, AEGIS has given Curiosity the ability to detect and sample rocks basically on its own. It uses photo recognition to learn what types of rocks and soils NASA wants to study and it has a 93% accuracy rate. And while that level of autonomy does make Curiosity rock, it could be pretty intimidating if it were to one day go rogue.

So besides zapping rocks, what’s so useful about A.I. in space?

Well recently, the first robot equipped with artificial intelligence was launched into space, and it helps astronauts by collaborating with them on their daily tasks.

Launched in late June 2018 by a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station, CIMON was developed by the European space agency Airbus and stands for Crew Interactive Mobile Companion. If an astronaut needs help with an experiment or a complex procedure, they can ask CIMON and get highly detailed answers and information.

Kind of like Siri here on Earth except . . . better.

So in everything from the physical chores of exploring other planets to collecting data to providing astronauts with information, A.I. definitely has the potential to help humans with space exploration.

Another future application for A.I. would be that we could send an A.I. to Mars ahead of our human travelers, and have it set up all of their life support systems and habitats. This would drastically decrease the risk factor and the cost of human Mars missions.

There’s a lot of potential in the future for artificial intelligence to help us explore extremely hostile environments, such as the moons of Galilean planets which could have watery oceans on them. These situations are very difficult for humans because we’re a lot more fragile.

So after hearing all of this great stuff about how artificial intelligence could help us with space exploration, you might start to wonder why send humans to space at all?

Well, as of yet, artificial intelligence doesn’t have the creativity, problem-solving and ability to react that humans do. And don’t forget our fancy shmancy opposable thumbs! But really, the possibilities for artificial intelligence in our future are limitless, as long as we avoid an A.I apocalypse, that is… Which, according to Elon Musk, is apparently pretty scary.

Well, that’s all the time we have today for #AskAbby. Thank you so much for joining me for The Mars Generation Space and Science Show.

And as always, if you have a question you’d like to ask and potentially see answered here, you can go ahead and submit to me on Twitter using the hashtag #AskAbby, or at TheMarsGeneration.org/askabby which is linked below.

And make sure that if you enjoyed this segment to go ahead and click the thumbs up button to give us a “like,” and subscribe so that you don’t miss our next great episode.

Until next time, farewell fellow travelers of spaceship Earth!

Oceans vs. Space | #AskAbby | Season 2 | Episode 11 | The Mars Generation

November 5, 2019 By groundsupport 1 Comment

Season 2, Episode 11 of The #AskAbby Space and Science Show

Presented by TheMarsGeneration.org

Why should we explore space over the oceans?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here so you don’t miss an episode!

People often debate about whether we should invest more into exploring space or Earth’s oceans. The oceans are a part of the planet we live on, yet historically, we’ve invested a lot more into space exploration. What are the benefits of exploring space? Join Astronaut Abby as she explains why she and so many others are fascinated by this area of research!

Includes answers to questions including: How much do we spend on space and ocean exploration? Why has space exploration seemingly taken precedence over ocean research? What are the benefits of each? Is it more difficult to explore the ocean or space? What challenges do each pose? And importantly, which of these areas allows us to watch Netflix?? You might know that answer…But watch the video to learn even more about space versus ocean exploration!

Tune in on Tuesdays for new releases of The #AskAbby Space and Science Show! To submit a question to #AskAbby go to ► http://bit.ly/2DfPz7b

Transcription of OCEANS VS SPACE

ABBY
Hey there, welcome to AskAbby. Today we’re going to be talking about–

EMILY
WAIT. Abby. Okay, okay, okay. Abby, I was on the dark side of the Internet again–

ABBY
Oh, that’s never good.

EMILY
Um, and I came across something and I don’t know what it is!

ABBY
Are you–AHHHH!!! What is that?!

EMILY
I don’t know, it’s like a fish, but also really sad.

ABBY
That is really sad looking. I’m not quite sure what it is. Um.

EMILY
But Abby, like, this thing is so weird. Why aren’t we researching the ocean more?

ABBY
That is pretty weird. That’s actually today’s topic on AskAbby. That’s right, we’re going to be talking about why space exploration and space research, when there’s still so much like this thing that we have yet to learn about our own planet’s oceans?

EMILY
Ugh. You take it.

ABBY
It looks like Putin. You know what? I’m a Russian major. I’ll keep it.

*SHOW INTRO*

ABBY
Hey there. Welcome to Ask Abby, where every episode, I go ahead and answer the crazy, wacky, zany, out-of-this world questions about space and science submitted by, that’s right, you guys, the viewers!

This week’s question is from Braydon S., who asked “Abby, why do people choose space instead of exploring the ocean?”

This question addresses a debate that people have been having for years about: Why are we exploring space when there’s still so much left here on Earth, and especially in Earth’s oceans, that we have yet to understand?

Space, or oceans? This question often comes up when we’re talking about, that’s right, funding. Ideally, we would just go ahead and explore everything. However, funding is a very real limitation on exploration. And so, we sometimes do have to choose.

In fact, right now NASA has 150 times the budget of NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

However, it wasn’t always this way. Before the Cold War, both space exploration and ocean exploration had similar levels of funding, and were making similar strides. But, the Cold War and the resulting space race made space exploration imperative to military defense and political victory.

This disparity if definitely apparent, when you think about the fact that today, we only know about 5% of the Earth’s oceans. In fact, we know more about the surface of the Moon than we do about the bottom of the ocean.

Why is this?

Well for one, funding. But it’s also arguably easier to learn about space, or at least, the space in our general vicinity.

First off, the deepest part of the ocean is insanely deep. It is so deep that you could actually take Mount Everest, and flip it over, and put it in the ocean, and it still wouldn’t reach the bottom of the ocean.

Because the ocean is so deep, there is an insane amount of pressure from all of that water. To put it in perspective, if a human were standing at the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean, it would feel as if they had the weight of the world on their shoulders. Just kidding, it would only feel like fifty jumbo jets.

Wait, fifty jumbo jets?! That’s a lot of pressure!

In space, we actually have the opposite problem of that. There’s not enough pressure, which is why we have to wear space suits.

It’s also really really dark. The bottom of the ocean is pitch black, which, of course, makes it really hard to see. Whereas in space, yes, there are some areas that don’t have a lot of light in them, but overall, there’s actually a lot more light, making it easier to see, for example, a giant comet hurtling at you. You know, the important stuff.

That’s not to say that space exploration isn’t difficult, but in some ways, the bottom of the ocean is more difficult for humans to explore than, say, the surface of Mars would be.

Space exploration may have also taken precedence over oceanic exploration due to public interest.

Sci-fi genres including Star Trek, Star Wars, 2001: Space Odyssey, Babylon 5, Star Gate, BattleStar Galactica–— Oh, sorry, are we supposed to? I’ll get back to the point– have enamored the public and really grabbed their minds and drawn their attention to space exploration.

On the other hand, in the oceanic genre, we have things like 2000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jaws, Titanic, Mermaidman. Sorry, those just aren’t quite as compelling. In fact, I feel like every movie about the ocean, or almost every one, pretty much everyone dies. Like, gruesomely. Doesn’t really make us want to go there, right?

Now that we’ve talked about how space exploration became better-funded than ocean exploration, let’s go ahead and look at the arguments for each.

Let’s go ahead and start with the underdog: oceans. One of the plus sides of exploring and understanding more about our oceans is growing food–aquaculture. With the growing population here on Earth, it’s really important that we also understand how to increase our food production. And almost 3 billion people rely on our Earth’s oceans for their food.

Oceans also give us valuable information about climate change. Researching our oceans can help provide us with signs of climate change, as well as solutions of how we can better take care of our planet.

Understanding how the ocean responds and affects the environment is critical in considering conservation and resource management.

Emily, who writes this stuff?

EMILY
Oh, I don’t know, I got it off of Yahoo questions..

ABBY
Oh, okay, that makes sense.

Well basically, what it means is that it’s really important if we want to understand our Earth as a whole, that we understand our oceans. They make up a huge portion of it, even though we don’t interact with them as often as we do with land.

Researchers have discovered plenty of health benefits and medications from exploring the ocean. Recently, a substance was found in the Japanese black sponge that led to the discovery of a drug that helps to treat late-stage breast cancer.

Exploring oceans is also arguably cheaper than exploring space. To put this in perspective, the entire yearly budget for NOAA is $20 million, whereas it takes $100 to $200 million to launch one single rocket to space.

But now let’s look at the argument for prioritizing space exploration!

First, exploring space would help us to become a multi-planet species, and hopefully, not so dependent on Earth.

Also, there are so many mysteries in space to solve, which would better help us to understand everything from our own rights here on earth, all the way to our entire universe. While we’ve only explored roughly 5% of the earth’s oceans, we’ve explored an infinitely smaller percentage of space.

Next, space exploration has led to the development of a lot of very helpful products for problems here on Earth.

That’s right, CT scans, advanced water filters, advanced eye surgery, bone loss prevention. All of these are examples of things that are a direct result of space exploration.

Major achievements in space exploration also help to bring us together. When a country makes a major stride in space exploration, it helps unify them as one people.

But even more so, when any human makes an advancement in space exploration, it is often celebrated worldwide, because we know that this is going to help everyone, not just one country.

As Neil Armstrong said, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

I’m completely on the side of space exploration, of course, but I also think that exploring our oceans is extremely valuable and important. Going to a new planet (*coughs* Mars) doesn’t mean that we should neglect our own.

Another correlation between space and oceans is that someday, we might actually be doing ocean exploration in space.

NARRATOR
Coming to theaters near you. Where two hydrogen meets one oxygen in space.

ABBY
A lot of the Jovian planets–so planets in the outer area of our solar system–have satellites or moons that are thought to have undersurface oceans. Hmm. They’re very likely places for life to be and are really an important place for us to go ahead and explore.

Well, that’s all the time we have today for Ask Abby! Thank you all for joining me.

Make sure that you go ahead and hit subscribe so that you don’t miss our videos, which come out on Tuesdays. And also, hit the like button.

If you have a question that you would like to ask and potentially see featured here on AskAbby, you can do so by tweeting it on Twitter using the hashtag #AskAbby, or by going to themarsgeneration.org and submitting it through the forum there.

Until then, farewell fellow travelers of spaceship Earth. I’ll see you later.

The Martian Garden Project

February 15, 2018 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

We are excited to have Amanda Green and Julie Arsenault join us as guest writers. Please scroll to the bottom of this post to learn more about Amanda and Julie.

I love science, and the only thing I love more than teaching science is teaching and learning about space. My name is Amanda Green, and I am a middle school science teacher in Beaumont, Alberta, Canada. I work alongside my colleague and friend, Julie Arsenault, from Edmonton. We enthusiastically share our love of science and space and often collaborate and share ideas for lessons, activities, and just getting nerdy.

Over the past few years we have both participated in the Canadian Space Agency/ Let’s Talk Science Tomatosphere project several times. It is a fantastic experiment where kids from across Canada and the United States compare germination rates of two groups of tomato seeds: one control and one that has been either onboard the International Space Station or exposed to a simulated space environment. We have used this project to kick off the school year with the scientific method and to have plants thriving in our classrooms all year long.

THE PILOT

In 2016/2017 I started with my class by using notable Twitter accounts – SpaceX, NASA, The Mars Generation, and Astronaut Abby, for example – these accounts helped us to keep up with all of the exciting innovations in science and technology. Throughout this process, the name Wieger Wamelink kept coming up as someone who had been growing plants in impressive simulated Martian conditions in the Netherlands. These experiments made me think about the connection between our Tomatosphere experiment, my favorite movie/book The Martian, and the educational value of doing a similar project with our students. I was curious to figure out how we could marry science and science-fiction in an authentic and meaningful way.

The Martian Garden produces Mars simulant soil from ground up, sterilized lava rock that closely resembles Martian soil based on its texture and chemical composition. One major problem is that the soil is quite expensive, especially to ship all the way up to Edmonton. However, I was able to convince my school administration to fund a small pilot project. This sparked some discussion with my students and, after researching various possibilities, we planted some of our Tomatosphere space seedlings in Earth soil, Mars simulant soil, and Mars simulant soil with a variety of fertilizers.

By watching our plants grow throughout the school year, we were able to observe many changes that fueled many ‘teachable moments’ and discussions in our classroom. As our hypothesis predicted, the plants grown in plain Martian soil control was not as visibly healthy as the plants grown in other soil variants. They were thin, pale, and less lush than the other plants, and they died before they could produce any flowers. While this was a great initial experiment, we knew that what we needed to gather more significant data as replication for each variable tested. In order to have more replicates, we needed more soil.

COLLABORATION AND FUNDING

One of the fantastic things about this age of social media is that it makes reaching out and finding like-minded people much easier than in the past. Julie and I met at a Science Teaching Conference and kept track of each other’s classes via Twitter. We have forged a very productive working relationship, in addition to our friendship, and we often brainstorm and troubleshoot projects we are doing in our classes. Julie was intrigued by our initial experiments and was eager to get on board with future work. We researched possibilities and collaborated to find a solution to our financial concerns for expanding the initial project. Together we applied for and received a Devon Science Giants Grant, allowing us to purchase more soil and any additional supplies needed to take our project to the next level and to ensure we could produce valid and reliable results.

THE MARTIAN GARDEN PROJECT

As the 2017/2018 school year began, Julie and I prepared to make our Martian Garden the centerpiece for instruction throughout our year. Although we teach different grade levels, we have both found ways to weave a Martian survival theme into most topics covered in our respective science curricula, valuing the real-world application it brings. We have brought in experts, and have had students brainstorm questions and continue to research all that is required to prepare a human mission to Mars. Our students have been excited to discover more about what it would take to survive this journey!

Our classes have now completed the transplanting phase of our experiments. Our Tomatosphere seedlings have been transplanted into either Earth or Mars simulant soil, and, in addition to control groups for each type, we’ve included some test groups with various fertilizers added to the soils. Inspired by The Martian, one student brought in manure for us to mix in with our soil (I think our room smelled for a few days after that), and Julie’s class wanted to try mixing some Earth soil with Mars simulant soil to “infect” it with plant-friendly soil bacteria. Our students feel like they’re a part of something bigger than just our classroom; they feel like they’re a junior high version of Mark Watney, trying to find ways to grow plants on a planet where nothing grows.

In addition to the variations in soil, we are testing another variable across our two classrooms – the source of light. My classroom has only one window so we will be using shelving with grow lights as our primary source of light, whereas Julie’s classroom has a large bay window so her class’s plants will have natural light as their primary source.

At this point our observations are largely qualitative, but we have noticed that tomatoes grown in Mars simulant soil have a red/purple hue to their stems. Julie’s class has also noticed that the plants in Earth soil are growing taller and are healthier overall (her class has not added fertilizers yet, as they are trying to see if there is a marked difference in plain soil first). As we continue to gather quantitative data, we are looking forward to seeing what explanations our students come up with to explain their observations.

In addition to our Science curriculum, we will be using this project to fuel discussions and examples in other subject disciplines as well. We will be graphing and analyzing results, designing 3-D models of Mars habitats, developing charters and laws needed for settling a new planet, and more. We will be meeting with experts and innovators in various relevant fields throughout the school year so students can get feedback and input from those “in the know.”

THE MARS GENERATION

Julie and I have both been following Astronaut Abby and her work with The Mars Generation for some time now, and we are proud to support such a positive and important initiative. Students learn better and work harder when they can see how their work can impact their world, and with all of the exciting research and technology pointing humanity towards space travel and colonizing Mars, we are hoping to inspire our own “Mars Generation.” Whether it be as an astronaut, engineer, computer scientist, or botanist, the possibilities for our students to one day contribute to humankind’s journey further into space are endless and we are so excited to be a small part of this journey.

About #2MartianTeachers

Amanda Green

Inspired by her nature-loving family and enthusiastic science teachers, Amanda graduated from the University of Alberta in 2001 with a BEd. in Biological Sciences and Social Studies. She is a passionate educator who has been teaching middle school Science, Mathematics and Robotics/Technology in both English and French for the majority of her career. She is currently the Science Department Head at Ecole Coloniale Estates School in

Beaumont, Alberta, Canada and is dedicated to bringing science to life with authentic lessons that weave STEM concepts and her interests in space and biology into almost everything. https://sites.google.com/gshare.blackgold.ca/green/home

Julie Arsenault

After earning her BSc. and MSc. in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Alberta, Julie developed a passion for teaching and entered the Secondary Education After Degree program. Julie has been teaching science with Edmonton Public Schools since 2002 and enjoys bringing vast and varied experiences into the classroom (and beyond) to help students make authentic connections to their world. Project Based Learning, STEM, and Place-Based Learning are large components of her junior high (grades 7-9) science classes. A strong believer in the power of collaboration, Julie has presented her work at conferences for ATA Science Council, Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium and Greater Edmonton Teachers Convention, and has consulted with Nelson Publishing. https://sites.google.com/a/epsb.ca/mrs-arsenault-s-nerdy-world-of-science/

2018 #24Under24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space

January 31, 2018 By groundcontrol 6 Comments

The next generation of leaders and innovators in STEAM will help to change the world. And, while with age often comes wisdom, The Mars Generation, through our annual 24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space Awards , will honor some of the brightest students and young people who are positioned to shape our future for the better.

We were impressed by the sheer volume of nominations for our first year of 24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators award. Young people with backgrounds and resumes from artists to scientists, and entrepreneurs to engineers were featured in the submissions. With so many talented students from around the world nominated, our judges were challenged to narrow the list to just 24. The 24 Under 24 will certainly inspire their young peers and encourage students in their communities to reach for their own ‘Mars.’

A huge thank you to our sponsors – Aerojet Rocketdyne and United Launch Alliance (ULA) – for their support in presenting the 2018 awards. The Mars Generation is fortunate to have two leaders in the industry play an important role in honoring these young innovators.

Below, you will find the names and brief bios of those receiving the 24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space Award. We look forward to their continued hard work to Dream Big! Act Big! And Inspire Others!

2018 #24Under24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space Awards:

1. Canda Atalay, Age 17, Turkey

Public Outreach & Founder of Toku Space Micronation

In her spare time, Atalay works on a competitive Martian rover design team, and as she launches into adulthood, her goal is to study aerospace engineering and found a space agency in Turkey. And that’s just in her spare time! At 18, Atalay is already accomplished: she’s is the founder of a unique social media platform in Turkey called Toku Space Micronation, where students are invited to share memes and stories about STEAM and space. Her leadership shows also in her in public outreach, including speaking for school groups and volunteering at TEDx Talks. Atalay has spent a significant amount of her young life studying CubeSats, a possible solution to space debris and orbital crowding concerns. It will be exciting to see where Atalay’s science public outreach takes her.

Affiliations: FIRST Lego League, New Horizons in Entrepreneurship in STEAM, Istanbul Technical University & The Mars Society
Field(s) of Interest: Engineering, Space & Entrepreneurship

2. Deepak Atyam, Age 24, United States

Co-Founder and CEO of Tri-D Dynamics

Through a startup company he co-founded called Tri-D Dynamics, Atyam works to produce low-cost liquid rocket engines. He’s had internships at multiple NASA centers, Moon Express’ Google Lunar X-prize team and SpaceX. In his undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego, he researched the feasibility of using 3D printing to innovate a new type class of NanoSat launcher rocket engines, and he founded a Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) Chapter. At only 24, Atyam has already been recognized in multiple publications for his engineering, entrepreneurship and scholarship. He currently has six 5 patents pending with 1 patent granted.

Affiliations: UCSD Moxie Center for Entrepreneurship, Gordon Engineering Leadership Center, NASA, Moon Express, SpaceX, FIRST Lego League, University of California, at San Diego & Purdue University, Purdue Foundry
Field(s) of Interest: Technology, Engineering & Entrepreneurship, 3D Printing

3. Rebecca Baron, Age 17, Canada

Activist, Scientist & Founder of Because of Her

Not many 17-year-olds can say they’ve crowdfunded more than $1 million to help promote literacy and girls’ education in developing countries. But Baron can, and that’s just one of her accomplishments so far in her young life. Baron delivers a popular TEDx Talk called “Conquering the Gender Gap in STEM,” and she has founded Because of Her, a nonprofit organization building a community to encourage and inspire female students to pursue STEAM-related fields. Baron’s an accomplished research scientist herself–you can find her part of a team at the University of British Columbia’s Life Sciences Institute. Before she’s reached adulthood, Baron has already been awarded a gold medal for her microbiome research focused on solutions to improve indoor air quality and toxin reductions.

Affiliations: Kitsilano Community Centre, Room to Read, Prince of Wales Mini School, University of British Columbia, & TEDx
Field(s) of Interest: Science, Global Activism & Gender Equality

4. Darren Charrier, Age 21, United States

Inventor, Engineer & Founder of Voyager Space Technologies, Inc.

Charrier, 21, is building robotic spacecraft that will extend the life of satellites on-orbit through Voyager Space Technologies Inc., the company he founded. Before this most recent venture, Canadian entrepreneur Charrier served as president of his Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) Chapter, growing a team of 20 students to more than 100. His SEDS Chapter secured NASA grant money to develop an open-source rocket engine test stand, and Charrier helped lead his Chapter to launch the Vulcan-1, the first collegiate rocket using liquid fuel from a 3D-printed engine. An inventor and brilliant engineer, this won’t be the last you’ll hear from Charrier.

Affiliations: University of California at San Diego, SpaceX, & Moon Express
Field(s) of Interest: Field(s) Space, Inventor, Engineer & Entrepreneurship

5. Joaquin Cortacans, 17, Uruguay

Public Outreach & Founder of Jóvenes Bajo la Lupa

When 15-year-old Cortacans became the first Uruguayan to attend Space Camp through a scholarship, he couldn’t keep the knowledge to himself, and quickly became known as a STEAM and space advocate. Cortacans began giving talks on TV and radio, and he spoke to the Uruguayan Congress about increasing STEAM opportunities in his home country. Now 17, Cortacans has since started a nonprofit organization called Jóvenes Bajo la Lupa, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of science and to create a place for those who wanted to share their passion for STEAM.

Affiliations: ESO Astronomy Camp, Space Camp, Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay (UTEC) & Interact
Field of Interest: Science

6. Bethany Downer, Age 23, Canada

Science Communicator, Public Outreach & Founder of Reaching Space Science

Downer impressively marries her passions for space, wildlife and helping others into everything she does. For example, she helped reintroduce wood bison in Alaska for a wildlife conservation project, and she founded an international nonprofit called One Step Shoe Recycling, which keeps unwanted shoes to redistribute to people in need worldwide. Additionally, Downer has taken her education and done something important for the public: she founded ReachingSpaceScience.org, which explains workings of the space industry in a way that it can be understood and valued by all. Today, you can find Downer giving video and in-person talks to classrooms and adult lectures to educate about a variety of space-related topics, including solar evolution, planetary geology, black holes and dark matter.

Affiliations: European Space Agency, International Space University, Memorial University, Space Generation Advisory Council
Field(s) of Interest: Science Communication, Conservation & Philanthropy

7. Paola Figueroa-Delgado, 22, Puerto Rico

Public Outreach & Founder of National Neuroscience Student Association

Growing up in a small rural Puerto Rico town has motivated Figueroa-Delgado to provide experiences and public outreach in STEAM fields to diverse students from underrepresented communities. Her outreach work began with a fellowship position at the Arecibo Observatory, where she served as a mentor to underrepresented pre-college students interested in pursuing a career in STEAM. During her undergraduate studies, Figueroa-Delgado founded the National Neuroscience Student Association, and she coordinated TEDxUPR, which shared scientific discoveries, insights and solutions with students all over Puerto Rico. Figueroa-Delgado is an NIH BP-ENDURE Research Fellow and was awarded an internship at Princeton University’s Department of Molecular Biology. Figueroa-Delgado volunteers in her community at animal shelters, refugee centers and at the Veterans Affairs Caribbean Health Care System.

Affiliations: Arecibo Observatory, Princeton, TEDx, NIH
Field(s) of Interest: Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Health Care

8. Jacqueline Grundfast, Age 17, United States

Public Outreach & Founder Warwick Valley Central School District Astronomy Club

Grundfast is taking her love of space and works hard to inspire her community to do the same. She established the Warwick Valley Central School District Astronomy Club, and she can be found judging STEAM Fairs in her district as well as teaching and mentoring young students in their research and science studies. This work inspired her to secure funding from her school district to build a robotic telescope for her community, promoting night sky exploration. In addition to doing a tremendous amount of outreach for her community, Grundfast still somehow finds time to be a high school student and a member of numerous national scholar societies. We’ll be hearing more about Grundfast!

Field(s) of Interest: Astronomy, Robotics

9. Pranvera Hyseni, Age 22, Kosovo

Public Outreach & Founder of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo

Hyseni, 22, is the Founder and Director of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo. In this role, she provides invaluable telescope training to educators, STEAM resources to local schools and more. In fact, she was specially asked to develop an astronomical education program for the Ministry of Education of Kosovo, and is routinely asked to represent Kosovo at countless science conferences. With many exciting ventures in her future, Hyseni also recently had an asteroid named after her by the International Astronomical Union.

Affiliations: International Astronomical Union, Ministry of Education of Kosovo
Field(s) of Interest: Astronomy & Public Outreach

10. Roger Lascorz, Age 24, Catalonia

Public Outreach & Founder of Physics & Aerospace Are Awesome

In pursuit of a space research program, Lascorz immigrated to the United States at a young age. Still only 24 years old, Lascorz already has an impressive academic resume, has published a paper with groundbreaking research on how to more efficiently extract hydrogen from water, has presented at many scientific conferences and has won numerous awards for his research. While a graduate student, he was a critical part of a major campaign promoting mental health on his campus. Today, Lascorz continues his public outreach through his organization called “Physics and Aerospace Are Awesome,” where people all over the world can discuss space and science. This resource has half a million followers worldwide!

Affiliations: Georgia Institute of Technology, University of West Georgia, Gamma Betta Phi, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, Experimental Aerodynamics Group
Field(s) of Interest: Aerospace Engineering & Physics

11. Kaitlyn Ludlam, Age 15, United States

Public Outreach & Founder of SWE Next at Fleming Island HS

Ludlam is an aspiring biomedical engineer who dreams of working for NASA as an astronaut. Not even old enough to drive, 15-year-old Ludlam is still highly active in her local community, spreading STEAM opportunities to students and doing public outreach to encourage women and girls to pursue STEAM careers. She is on three FIRST robotics teams, promotes the #FIRSTLikeAGirl movement through Renaissance Jax and much more. Ludlam makes time for her other interests in life aside from science by serving as a mentor for younger girls and volunteers in the American Sign Language community.

Affiliations: FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge & Society of Women Engineers
Field(s) of Interest: Engineering & Medicine

12. Tessa McEvoy, Age 17, United States

Science Communicator & Artist & Founder of Space Cadet Wannabe

Some say creativity and STEAM are opposite worlds. That couldn’t be further from the truth for McEvoy, who uses her artistic talents and passion for science with the same pen stroke. By the time McEvoy was 11, she’d already launched her award-winning origami business, Outside the Box Origami and Gifts. For the past two years, McEvoy has worked hard to promote The Mars Generation, going out of her way to help generate excitement around space exploration through her illustrations, including a 23-page coloring book, “Color Me Mars Generation,” that she gifted to The Mars Generation. She’s also published an ongoing series about a “Space Cadet Wannabe,” creatively telling stories and adventures of a young girl with dreams to be an astronaut. Now 17, McEvoy continues to do what she loves, helping make science even more colorful.

Field(s) of Interest: Science Communications, Illustration & Animation

13. Katherine McKinney, Age 17, United States

Scientist & Founder of Kentucky STAR Center

McKinney, only a junior in high school, is in the process of publishing her first scientific paper, and in the future, she plans to study the effects of space on the human body. For now, she is an advisor for her home state of Kentucky’s STEAM collaborative and often speaks to groups and the media about the importance of student involvement in science. Noticing a lack of neuroscience research resources when she was 16, McKinney founded Kentucky STAR Center as a laboratory makerspace just for students. She is working as an intern for SpaceTango, and has been involved with more than 15 investigations that have been sent to the International Space Station.

Affiliations: NASA International Space Station, SpaceTango
Field(s) of Interest: Neuroscience & Medicine

14. Maanasa Mendu, Age 13, United States

Patent Pending Inventor & Scientist

Mendu, 13, found herself curious and concerned about the problem of energy scarcity in developing countries, and she took this inspiration to the lab. She’s developed HARVEST (patent pending), an energy harvesting device that employs the Piezoelectric effect. The device takes advantage of unused ambient wind, sunlight and precipitation. Mendu is working on larger and more efficient iterations of this technology, and she just might dramatically shift how developing nations use energy all around the world.

Affiliations: Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Forbes 30 Under 30, Tedx
Field(s) of Interest: Science, Engineering & Entrepreneurship

15. Collin Mitchell, Age 18, United States

Robotics Mentor & Founding Member of FTC team #7187, Team Axis ITR

Mitchell started mentoring and established his first robotics club at the age of 12. In high school, Mitchell continued, founding a FIRST Tech Challenge Team, #7187 Team Axis, which directly benefited 35 students. Although it was an admirable achievement, he didn’t stop there. He lobbied his school district to expand school-based robotics programs. Through his own robotics team, Mitchell was involved with community service initiatives with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Cancer Society, and Helping Hands (building prosthetic hands for landmine amputees). Mitchell has done a lot of work recently mentoring other mentors, donating thousands of dollars with of new books and school supplies and packing more than six tons of food for the Oregon Food Bank. His team has built 11 prosthetic hands, and they’ve planned and conducted about 100 STEAM outreach events. Mitchell is busy making the world a better place through his passion for science!

Affiliations: FIRST Tech Challenge, University of California Santa Cruz & Helping Hands
Field(s) of Interest: Engineering & Robotics

16. Temidayo Oniosun, Age 22, Nigeria

Youth Mentor, Inventor & Founder of University Space Club

Oniosun, a 22-year-old inventor from Nigeria, serves as the Regional Coordinator in Africa for the Space Generation Advisory Council. In his leadership role, he works to engage students and young professionals in the national and international levels of space policy creation. He’s made it his goal to involve himself in the space industry and create innovative applications for data collection to promote socio-economic development. Oniosun founded the University Space Club aimed at raising the next generation of Space Leaders – it is currently the largest space club in Africa. As a YouthMappers fellow, he works to create and use open-source software for geographic information, an invaluable tool for the US Agency for International Development.

Affiliations: SGAC, YouthMappers, FUTA, ISpatial Technologies
Field(s) of Interest: Science and Technology

17. Mylena Peixoto, Age 17, Brazil

Public Outreach & Founder of Mylena na NASA

When Peixoto was 15, she discovered five new asteroids during an astronomy project she worked on with her physics teacher. Peixoto was always a hardworking person, but this impressive set of discoveries fully ignited her passion for science, exploration and pursuing her dreams. In 2016, Peixoto was invited to the United States to visit NASA and take a course at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Last year, she won the first scholarship offered by the International Journal of Science & Technology (IJST), where she studied at the Kennedy Space Center and was named an IJST ambassador. She is now studying engineering and will be pursuing her dream of becoming an astronaut. Peixoto has overcome immense adversity in her journey so far, and she continually proves to us that she has what it takes.

Affiliations: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, International Journal of Science & Technology
Field(s) of Interest: Engineering & Astronomy

18. Olivia Scharfman, Age 20, United States

Public Outreach & Founder of thinkTANC

24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space winner Scharfman, 20, serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. As part of the largest and oldest student-run space advocacy organization, Scharfman is a role model for the next generation of scientists and spacefarers. She’s also a professional actor, starring in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions! Scharfman is now studying astrophysics and theater at Yale, and she founded thinkTANC, creating a way for her to continue her neurobiology research (on top of everything else!). Scharfman’s next goal is to obtain her pilot’s license to increase her eligibility to become an astronaut.

Affiliations: Students for the Exploration & Development of Space, Yale University, Actor’s Equity & Caltech Flying Club
Field(s) of Interest: Astrophysics & Theater

19. Julie Sage, Age 13, United States

Public Outreach, Mentor & Founder of Supernova Style Science News

Sage knew when she was six years old that she wanted to be an astrophysicist, inspired by Stephen Hawking, and she has wasted no time beginning to work for that goal. She’s participated in amateur telescope-making, has learned to code, shown coding demonstrations at her middle school and is doing public outreach through her YouTube channel, “Supernova Style Science News.” Sage is a member of the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club, which send two experiments on a NASA sounding rocket and four experiments on a high-altitude balloon funded by idoodleLearning. Her dream job is to study black holes, and if she’s already working this hard when she’s 13, there’s no limit to what she will do!

Affiliations: Girls Who Code, Cubes in Space, Clay Center Amateur Radio Club
Field(s) of Interest: Science, Mathematics & Coding

20. Krittanon Pond Sirorattanakul, Age 22, Thailand

Sirorattanakul is one of the specially selected recipients of the Royal Thai Scholarship to study at United States universities. That level of honor is not surprising with a young person’s caliber as that of Sirorattanakul. The 22-year-old has quite the resume. One research project of his resulted in a discovery of a significant change in a Cepheid variable stars pulsation period, published in The Astronomical Journal. He received a Lee Teng Fellowship in Accelerator Science and Engineering to intern at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and attend the U.S. Particle School. Among many other achievements, with a NASA-funded grant, Sirorattanakul developed “Science on a Sphere,” an educational program for middle school students to excite kids about the interconnectedness of earth systems. Sirorattanakul is continuing to work toward his goal of returning to Thailand as a research professor to educate the public about earthquakes, their risks and associated hazard mitigation.

Affiliations: Lehigh University, The Astronomical Journal, Nurture Nature Center
Field(s) of Interest: Physics, Earth Science & Seismology Studies

21. Lisa Stojanovski, Age 24, Australia

Science Communicator

Stojanovski works in New Zealand for Rocket Lab, a small-sat launch provider, and she’s a host on TMRO, a live web show about humanity’s exploration of the cosmos. Her thesis in graduate school at International Space University focused on “Atmospheric Requirements for a Martian Greenhouse,” which was presented as part of the 2016 International Astronautical Congress. If that doesn’t speak well enough to her leadership in space research and communication, Stojanovski has also served as the Regional Point of Contact for the Space Generation Advisory Council. Stojanovski was invited to share her skills as a scientist and communicator in order to help develop the Australian Space Agency.

Affiliations: International Space University, TMRO, Shell Questacon Science Circus, Rocket Lab, Space Generation Advisory Council
Field(s) of Interest: Science Communications, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

22. Shi Tuck, Age 19, United States

Inventor & Founder, Ben Davis HS Astronomy Club

Tuck, 19, has made it her mission to share her love for STEAM and space with women and minority communities. Starting in high school, she founded and Astronomy Club and hosted a two-day “Space Day” event for more than 1,000 elementary students and raised enough funds to purchase and donate 300 science textbooks for elementary schools in her district. Her work today includes CubeSat design, Martian rovers and research with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory. Upon graduation from Stanford University, Tuck plans to work as an Electrical Engineer in the aerospace industry and continue her volunteer work in disenfranchised communities, serving as a mentor to future STEAM students.

Affiliations: Wright Patterson AFRL, Stanford University
Field(s) of Interest: Engineering & Astronomy

23. Allie Weber, Age 12, United States

Patent Pending Inventor & Science Communicator

With a passion for learning and a knack for inventing, 12-year-old Weber contributes to STEAM education through a robust social media presence and her YouTube channel, “Tech-nic-Allie Speaking.” She uses these channels to share about science projects and to promote ways for other students to get involved themselves. Beginning her inventing career early, Weber developed an internal glove system called “Frost Stopper” (patent pending) that monitors cold temperatures and alerts wearers to avoid frostbite. Weber has goals for earning a doctorate degree in engineering or business to pursue her entrepreneurial passion for starting a company around her own innovations.

Affiliations: Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, FIRST Lego League, Makers Faire
Field(s) of Interest: Technology, Engineering & Science Communications

24. Melissa Vazquez-Hornik, 24, United States

Scientist

Imagine being assigned to a team to get to Mars, and then being told to live and work with this small group of people constantly for three years or more. Vazquez-Hornik’s research is devoted to studying psychological factors associated with teams and long-duration missions and how we can help teams stay functional under such intense pressures. Her current research involves an international effort between U.S. and Russian space agencies with the Institute of Biomedical Problems to examine interpersonal perceptions and traits when it comes to managing space crews in isolated and confined environments. Vazquez-Hornik is making enormous advances to an understated part of space exploration. In addition to her research, Vazquez-Hornik volunteers with the Jewish United Fund, Chicago Lights Tutoring and serves as a director for the Hornik Family Foundation to support communities in need.

Affiliations: University of Central Florida, DePaul University, Illinois Space Grant Consortium
Field of Interest: Science & Psychology