For many, the thought of space travel remains a distant dream, but 17-year-old Alyssa Carson is turning that dream into reality. Since she was a little girl, this determined Louisiana native has been fixated on the stars, and now she’s on track to become one of the pioneers in the first human mission to Mars in 2033, thanks to her intensive training with NASA.
Carson’s journey is a testament to her unwavering determination. At the tender age of three, she announced her aspirations to her father, declaring, “Daddy, I want to be an astronaut, and be one of the people that go to Mars.” She’s held true to her word, becoming the youngest ever graduate of the Advanced Space Academy and achieving a historic feat as the first individual to complete all three NASA Space Camps across the globe—located in the United States, Canada, and Turkey.
But her achievements don’t stop there. She’s taken her passion for space exploration to new heights by completing the NASA Passport Program, setting foot in all 14 of NASA’s visitor centers sprawled across nine states in the U.S. In 2013, she was even invited to join NASA TV’s MER 10 panel in Washington DC, where she discussed the exciting future of missions to Mars.
Carson’s commitment to Mars doesn’t overshadow her dedication to traditional education. Remarkably, she tackles her school subjects in four languages: English, Chinese, French, and Spanish. This feat, however, doesn’t come without challenges, as she aptly describes, “The biggest [challenge] is time and getting everything done at such a young age while also still attending high school. Continuing to train at a young age will also be further difficulties for me but I have done great with it so far.”
When she’s not immersed in her rigorous training or diligently studying, Carson is also a remarkable public speaker. She passionately shares her experiences and life philosophy to inspire young minds, urging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly. She leaves a powerful message in her wake: “Always follow your dream and don’t let anyone take it from you.” A true inspiration, Alyssa Carson is carving her path towards the stars while uplifting others to reach for their own aspirations.
