Alyssa Carson, a 24-year-old space enthusiast and PhD scholar, is at the forefront of the new space race, preparing for what many believe will be humanity’s next giant leap: the first crewed mission to Mars.
Carson has spent nearly her entire life working toward this goal, a dream sparked at the tender age of three. She has participated in a rigorous training regimen, including attending multiple NASA space camps (becoming the only person to complete all of them), getting her pilot’s license, and undergoing water survival, g-force, and microgravity training.
The possibility of a one-way trip has been central to much of the public discussion surrounding the first human settlements on the Red Planet. While the mission Carson is aspiring to—slated for the early 2030s—is intended to be a return trip, she has consistently acknowledged the harsh realities and risks of early space colonization.
“I think that humans will eventually need to get to that point—where we’re exploring and possibly living in other places besides Earth. Mars is just that first step,” Carson has stated.
Now a doctoral candidate in Astrobiology, her current research focuses on the survival of microorganisms in simulated Martian environments, directly contributing to the scientific knowledge needed for a successful mission.
It’s important to note that while Carson is frequently described in the media as an “astronaut in training,” she is not officially affiliated with any national space program, including NASA, and has not been selected for an official crew. Her extensive training and qualifications, however, position her as a strong potential candidate for future selection.
Carson’s journey embodies the spirit of a new generation dedicated to pushing beyond Earth’s atmosphere, embracing both the wonder and the extreme dedication required to colonize a new world.
