Let's Go to Space: BLUE-SKY Learning

Today we meet with Ben Jones, an Electrical & Manufactory Technician for NearSpace Launch in Upland Indiana. A recently graduate of Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of science in electrical engineering, Ben joined NSL in May of 2025 after participating in their DreamBig Project. Ben’s university team joined five other university teams who earned payload space on a .5U CubeSat. Ben helped found his university’s first space program where they worked with pocketqubes and he also participated with the University Nanosatellite Program in Albuquerque designing a 3U cubesat. We look forward to hearing about his new career fresh out of school and know you will enjoy hearing about his journey as well.

Chris Carberry is the CEO and co-founder of Explore Mars, Inc. (Explore Mars), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit space advocacy organization. In this role, he oversees the annual Humans to Mars Summit, the largest annual conference focused on sending humans to Mars, and has spearheaded dozens of programs, projects, and outreach efforts. Before joining Explore Mars, Carberry served as Executive Director of The Mars Society. Carberry has presented oral (and written) testimony to both the United States Senate as well as the United States House of Representatives. He is also the author of over 100 articles that have appeared in publications around the world and has been featured in over 100 national and international television, radio programs, and podcasts. Carberry is the author of The Music of Space (2024) and Alcohol in Space: Past, Present, and Future (2019), which has been adapted into a documentary film. Carberry is co-editing a book called A Future Spacefaring Society for Springer to be released in 2026.

Today we meet with the phenomenal Sam Wheeler is a physics instructor at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, where he teaches AP Physics C, General Physics, and Elements of Satellite Design—a course in which students design, test, and fly CubeSats on a campus zipline. His career has included remarkable opportunities such as co-hosting a live math and science TV show, flying student experiments on Zero-G flights, connecting students with astronauts aboard the ISS, and conducting astrobiology research in Death Valley. A Fulbright Scholar to Japan, former NCSTA President, and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching, Sam has also served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy. He holds undergraduate degrees in physics and science education and a PhD in Science (Physics) Education from NC State University.

Today we meet with Michael Fatig: He’s a lifelong space enthusiast and second generation career space professional as an Engineer, a program manager, a business unit manager, and a growth leader. He has worked on Over 35 missions including one that led to a Nobel Prize for science in astrophysics). He has also led 15 professional papers, and is a recipient of the NASA Public Service Medal. Michael’s work encompasses many realms including Founder of the Cooperative Satellite Learning Program, President of the Maryland Association of Partners in Education, and Board Member of the Maryland Space Business Roundtable. Stay tuned for what is sure to be a great episode.

Lalitha Murali is a gifted and talented teacher for the Glendale River-Hills School District. 16 years ago, when she started teaching, she noticed that there were only a handful of immigrant and minority children in the gifted programs. By starting educational outreach programs and organizing workshops, Lalitha targeted the underrepresented groups in her school a community. Today, she offers advanced learning opportunities for immigrant and minority families. Lalitha has been recognized several times for dedication and passion in the field and most recently, her commitment to advancing STEM education has earned her recognition as a Globant STEM Award Winner for the Inspiring Leader