Alyssa's passion for space was born when she was only three years old. It all started with the episode of the animated series The Backyardigans, in which the characters went to Mars.
Alyssa Carson continues his childhood dream
– I watched The Backyardigans, and one of the episodes concerned the mission to Mars. I told my dad: “Dad, I want to be an astronaut and fly to Mars,” says Carson cited by the website wionews.com. This childhood dream was not a temporary whim, and became the foundation of her life. At the age of six, she began to study Mars maps, and asked by her father what she was doing, she replied: “When we reach Mars, I need to know where we are.”
Her father, Bert Carson, supported his daughter from the beginning, although he is aware of the risk associated with the mission on Mars. – I am proud of what she has achieved, but on the other hand I know that everything at the top can kill her. It's difficult for the parent, but you need to support the child's dreams, even if they are so unusual – says Bert Carson. Alyssa is aware of the potential dangers. It does not hesitate before the prospect of a mission that can be a one -way journey.
The Carson road to a potential mission on Mars is full of unusual achievements. As the only person in the world, she graduated from all three NASA space camps – in the United States, Canada and Turkey. At the age of seven, she took part in the Huntsville camp in Alabama for the first time, which initiated her fascination with space training. – NASA space camps are great fun. You can be with other children who share your passion, build rockets, participate in simulations and learn about the history of space – argues Carson.
At the age of 15 she became the youngest person admitted to Advanced Possum Academy, a scientific program focusing on the upper atmosphere research. After completing it in 2016, she received a certificate in the field of applied astronautics, which officially entitles her to participate in suborbital research missions.
– I am fully prepared for a suborbital mission, which involves reaching the upper atmosphere and crossing the space of the space for research purposes – he argues. Carson has also undergone a number of specialized trainings, including survival training in water, weightless flights, overload tests, diving training and decompression training. At the age of 18, she gained a pilot license, which further strengthens its qualifications.
Her commitment is not limited to physical training. Carson graduated from Astrobiology at the Florida Institute of Technology in 2023 and is currently continuing her education at the doctoral level at the University of Arkansas, where he examines the possibility of living on Mars. – I am especially interested in the potential of life on Mars, especially in the context of astrobiology. This is a question that has long fascinated scientists – she said in an interview with the Flight Club Podcast. Her research focuses on bacteria that could survive in extreme Martian conditions, which can be of key importance for future missions.
Although Carson is often called “astronaut during training” in the media and uses the nickname “NASA Blueberry” (given to her during a space camp because of a navy blue suit), NASA has repeatedly emphasized that she is not officially connected with her. “NASA has no formal connections with Alyssa Carson,” the agency informed in a statement for Reuters.
What's more, Carson does not yet meet the requirements to become an astronaut NASA, which includes, among others Having a master's degree in exact sciences, such as engineering, biology and mathematics. However, her father remains optimistic. “The goal of Alyssa has always been to be one of the first on Mars and is working on creating such a unique CV to become chosen,” he said.
– I don't train with any specific organization. It's more building my CV until I am ready to apply – she explained. Her strategy consists in gathering experiences and qualifications that will increase her chances of participating in a mission, whether organized by NASA or by private companies, such as Spacex Elona Muska, who also plans Mars missions.
The manned mission at Mars in 2033? Carson will be at an ideal age for the astronaut
Planned at the beginning of the 1930s. Mars from Mars is one of the biggest challenges of modern astronautics. NASA assumes that the first manned mission to the red planet will take place around 2033, although the exact schedule is still refined. The journey to Mars currently lasts about six months, which puts great physical and mental challenges to astronauts. – Traveling to Mars is a huge risk for life. Technology still requires improvements to reduce flight time, maybe even up to six weeks – said Carson. She added that research on plasma drive or artificial gravity can revolutionize future missions.
Carson explained that she is planning to return to Earth after a mission, although she is ready to consider various scenarios. “I always thought I would become an astronaut, I would fly to Mars, come back and become a teacher or president,” she said in an interview with Teen Vogue. NASA also emphasizes that their missions assume the return of the crew.
Alyssa Carson with Raphael Domjan
Alyssa Carson is involved in educational and inspirational activities. She is an active speaker who gave speeches around the world, including three TEDX lectures in Romania, Austria and Greece, when she was only 13 years old. – I want to inspire others, especially young girls, to follow my dreams. Space is not only science and engineering, it is also showing what is possible when we dare to dream – she said. Carson also runs the Blueberry Foundation Foundation, which promotes STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) among young people.
Her presence in social media, where she appears as NASA Blueberry, attracts thousands of followers. Carson shares his experiences, from training in simulators to scientific research, inspiring the new generation of cosmos explorers. “Always follow your dream and don't let anyone take it from you,” he says.
In 2033, when the first manned mission on Mars can become a reality, Alyssa Carson will be 32 years old – the perfect age to take part in such a breakthrough undertaking. The girl speaking in four languages is determined to fulfill her childhood dream and take part in the historical mission tailored to the Apollo 11 mission, under which Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first people on the moon. Now it's time for the red planet.
