Alyssa Carson

Alyssa Carson transformed her childhood love of space into an inspiring research and speaking career. She has inspired young people across the world by connecting them with local space programs and opportunities, all while pursuing her own dreams of building a better space industry for the next generation. Now, at 22, Alyssa is pursuing her PhD in Space and Planetary Science, researching bacterial life on other planets. All the while, she continues connecting and inspiring her audience through social media (@NASABlueberry).

By Amanda Kang

Alyssa Carson has wanted to go to space since she first saw her favorite cartoon characters do it. But she had no idea how far it would take her. Now a published author, researcher, and recipient of several Louisiana and space industry awards, Alyssa has transformed a childhood passion for space into a groundbreaking career in the industry. Now at 22, she is looking to transform the space industry for future generations.

Alyssa grew up asking her dad the tough questions. “Have people been to space before?” or “Is space even real?” However, not coming from a family with a space or science background, Alyssa soon had to seek out the answers herself. What began as a few library books on space quickly became asking teachers, taking part in the robotics team, and working with Citizen’s Research Science Initiatives. She later went on to earn her pilot license, become scuba certified, and undergo a variety of astronaut-specific training. Alyssa’s passion and work have garnered worldwide attention, with articles dubbing her the youngest astronaut in training.

Most recently, Alyssa graduated with a degree in Astrobiology and is working towards a PhD in Space and Planetary Science. On top of her studies, she continues to serve as an international role model, speaking with young people across the globe and providing inspiring content and opportunities through social media.

From speaking with kids to looking to better the space industry, Alyssa’s work is all about improving the world for generations to come. “A lot of what I am trying to work towards in the space industry is really kind of like planting seeds for future generations. [...] Everything we do in space has very long-term goals. And a lot of these long-term goals aren’t within our lifetime goals.” Alyssa’s PhD, which focuses on living bacteria on Mars, Titan, and various exoplanets, comes with the long-term goal of making life in space possible for humans, giving future humans the opportunity to leave Earth for a new life. 

Lofty goals such as these are no stranger to Alyssa. Ever since she was a kid, she has been fighting for recognition and expertise in the space industry. Now, she reflects on these frustrating moments from a perspective of growth, stating, “If you struggle, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it.” It is many of these experiences as a young person that have inspired Alyssa’s work with kids. In all of her work, the personal interactions bring her the most joy. “Being able to really talk to kids and see their faces light up. Or really have them come to me afterwards and be like ‘I want to be an astronaut now,’ or, you know, any of those little moments is really what I am most proud of.” 

Through her speaking, Alyssa hopes to change the representation within the space industry. While an astronaut is oftentimes the only figure seen by the public, “it takes tens of thousands of people to send that one astronaut into space and it’s really important that we’re creating that diversity and inclusion of women across all those jobs. Because just because there’s a female astronaut, but you know, it was 90% males working on the rocket and the space suit, and all the other components. I don’t think that’s necessarily an entire success.” By connecting with young people, Alyssa inspires underrepresented communities and exploration into the industry. Truly emphasizing that the space industry has a place for any passionate person.

By now, Alyssa’s work has reached hundreds of thousands of people, and her story of passion to action continues to inspire and inform those around the globe. In the future, Alyssa will continue her research in her PhD program and is on the lookout for the next astronaut selection process. Be sure to follow Alyssa’s journey as she pushes the boundaries of the space industry and strives to make outer space accessible for all.