Explore the inspiring story of Alyssa Carson, a passionate space enthusiast aiming to become an astronaut and destined for Mars. From childhood curiosity to citizen science and space education, Alyssa shares her journey, insights into space missions like Artemis, and practical advice for the next generation. In this episode: ● Alyssa shares her lifelong fascination with space and her earliest memories of curiosity about the cosmos ● The impact of space camp in shaping her passion and skills ● How her diverse experiences—water survival, zero G flights, pilot's license—prepare her for space ● The evolving goals of the space industry, including Artemis, Mars missions, and space tourism ● The importance of resilience, problem-solving, and staying adaptable in pursuit of space dreams ● Opportunities in astrobiology and microbiology related to Mars exploration ● Her perspectives on the future of space travel accessibility for ordinary people ● Tips and motivational words for young people dreaming of space careers Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Alyssa's space origin story 02:38 - The significance of space camp in her journey 05:42 - Building skills through diverse training experiences 09:28 - The interdisciplinary nature of astrobiology and microbiology 12:36 - Her studies at Florida Tech and focus on Mars exploration 16:15 - How "The Martian" movie aligns with her interests 17:27 - Moving into her PhD and future plans in space industry 21:34 - The trajectory of lunar and Mars missions, space tourism potential 23:33 - The significance of Artemis and lunar exploration for humanity 28:36 - Upcoming opportunities and her advice to young space enthusiasts 33:34 - Closing thoughts and Alyssa's message for aspiring astronauts Resources & Links: ● So You Want To Be An Astronaut: The Book ● Ready For Lift Off: Becoming An Astronaut Of The Mars Generation ● Alyssa Carson - https://alyssacarson.com/ ● NASA Artemis Program https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/ ● Florida Tech Astrobiology Program Connect with Alyssa Carson: ● X https://x.com/NASABlueberry1 ● Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nasablueberry/ This episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of a future beyond Earth, offering a blend of personal motivation and industry insights. Keep looking up at the stars and stay curious about the future of space in the UK and beyond! Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/