The Mars Generation® https://themarsgeneration.org/ BUILDING A STRONGER TOMORROW Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:00:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://themarsgeneration.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png The Mars Generation® https://themarsgeneration.org/ 32 32 Our Favorite Space Moments from 2022 https://themarsgeneration.org/our-favorite-space-moments-from-2022/ https://themarsgeneration.org/our-favorite-space-moments-from-2022/#respond Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:20:17 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=11775 What a great year for space exploration and discovery! In honor of 2022 coming to a close, we’re sharing our top space events and moments from the past year. Make sure to stay tuned because we’ll be updating this post and adding new highlights every week of December! Tune in every week of December to […]

The post Our Favorite Space Moments from 2022 appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
Artemis I Launch_The Mars Generation_Top Space Moments 2022

Image Credit to NASA

What a great year for space exploration and discovery! In honor of 2022 coming to a close, we’re sharing our top space events and moments from the past year. Make sure to stay tuned because we’ll be updating this post and adding new highlights every week of December!

Tune in every week of December to see the most monumental space moments revealed!

 

1. On January 24th of this year, NASA’s James Webb telescope reached its destination over a million miles away from Earth! The first images would then be shared months later, on July 12th, like this image taken of the Carina Nebula.

TMG_2022 Event_Image 1_Carina Nebula_James Webb

Image Credit to NASA

2. Of course, we can’t forget NASA’s DART mission from October, 2022, which successfully changed the trajectory of an actual asteroid! This proved that if we ever need to save the planet from an incoming space object, we may now have the technology to do it! 

TMG_Top Space Moments 2022_NASA Dart Mission

 

3. The Geminid Meteor Shower is one of the last big meteor displays of the year, & it’s going to be at its peak during mid December!
To experience this beautiful space display for yourself, find a dark place away from street lights where you can see wide open sky.
TMG_Top Space Moments 2022_Meteor Shower
4. On October 5, 2022, NASA released this new image of Jupiter’s moon Europa obtained in a flyby mission. NASA believes there to be a liquid ocean beneath Europa’s icy crust and is planning future missions to determine whether life may be viable on Europa!
The Juno mission’s spacecraft passed only 256 miles above Europa and is thought to be the clearest image of the moon ever captured!
TMG_Top Space Moments 2022_Europa Moon

Image Credit to NASA

5. As cool as 2022 has been, we’re not sure anything can top the Artemis I mission launch in November!

After months of planning and delays, the Orion spacecraft finally launched on November 16. Though this flight was unmanned, it marked the first time a spacecraft designed to carry humans blasted off to the moon since 1972.

TMG_Top Space Moments 2022_Artemis Launch View

Image Credit to NASA

The post Our Favorite Space Moments from 2022 appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/our-favorite-space-moments-from-2022/feed/ 0
How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13 https://themarsgeneration.org/how-creativity-saved-the-crew-of-apollo-13/ https://themarsgeneration.org/how-creativity-saved-the-crew-of-apollo-13/#comments Sun, 11 Apr 2021 12:26:20 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=10395 This month, we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission. This mission was supposed to make history as the third to land on the Moon, but instead, it left a much greater impact. When an oxygen tank failed, it was up to NASA and Apollo’s three-person crew to improvise a solution to get […]

The post How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13 appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
The Mars Generation_How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13_2021

This month, we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission. This mission was supposed to make history as the third to land on the Moon, but instead, it left a much greater impact. When an oxygen tank failed, it was up to NASA and Apollo’s three-person crew to improvise a solution to get everyone home safe. This mission demonstrated that even in the face of danger, when people work together, they can accomplish incredible things.

As I wrote in Chapter Seven of my book, Dream Big!: How to Reach for Your Stars, “One of the most unifying human qualities is creativity.” It was creativity that brought people from all around the world together to save the crew of Apollo 13. Their teamwork showed what humanity can achieve when we work together towards a common goal, and the lessons learned from this mission taught people the power of innovation. Keep reading to learn more about the power of creativity and how it brought the crew of Apollo 13 home safely!

 

The Mars Generation_How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13_2021

Apollo 13 mission emblem
Image credit: NASA

Apollo 13: The Mission

Apollo 13 is one of the most well-known space missions in history. It was the seventh crewed Apollo mission and was commanded by Jim Lovell. Lovell served alongside command module pilot Jack Swigert and Apollo Lunar Module pilot Fred Haise. While Lovell was a veteran astronaut, Apollo 13 was the first mission for Swigert and Haise, and it sure put all their training to the test!

 

The Mars Generation_How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13_2021

NASA’s Apollo Program

NASA’s Apollo program began in 1961 and was dedicated to landing the first humans on the Moon. It was the United States’ third human spaceflight program, preceded by Project Mercury and Project Gemini. Project Mercury capsules could carry one crew member, Project Gemini’s could carry two, and the Apollo spacecraft could carry three.

The Apollo spacecraft consisted of three main parts:

  1. The command module, which carried the astronauts from launch to landing.
  2. The service module which supported this Command Module and contained a service propulsion engine and a fuel cell power generation system.
  3. The Apollo Lunar Module, which was designed to land on the lunar surface with two astronauts and then return them back to the command module after they completed their mission.

In total, there were seventeen Apollo missions, and ultimately, twelve astronauts stepped foot on the Moon. These missions were momentous in space exploration and each made history in their own right. However, these accomplishments didn’t come without trial, error, and hard work, and they wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable team rallying behind them.

The Mission of Apollo 13

Before Apollo 13, there were seven crewed Apollo missions. Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 were the first and second to land on the Moon, and Apollo 13 was meant to be the third.

On the lunar surface, Apollo 13 was set to conduct numerous experiments to study the composition of the Moon.

After months of testing and preparation, the mission launched on April 11, 1970, from the John F Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The command, service, and lunar modules were carried on board a Saturn V rocket. The Command and Service Module was nicknamed Odyssey and the Apollo Lunar Module was nicknamed Aquarius. These spacecraft carried Jim Lovell, John Swigert, and Fred Haise on a mission meant to last four days. But after technical failure two days in, the mission went on to be much longer.

Disaster Strikes Apollo 13

“Houston, we’ve had a problem.”

These famous words were uttered by Jim Lovell as he reported an explosion in the spacecraft to NASA. The second oxygen tank had blown up, and as a result, the regular supply of oxygen, water, and electricity were shut down. Odyssey, where the astronauts were living, was leaking oxygen and losing fuel cells at a rapid pace as the spacecraft flew farther and farther from Earth.

Just minutes before, Lovell had been conducting a routine task in which he turned on the fans in the fuel and oxygen tanks. This was meant to stir the oxygen to avoid it separating into layers. Unknown to the astronauts, inside the second oxygen tank, there was a damaged wire. When the fans were turned on, the wire caused a spark and started a fire. Soon after, the tank exploded and severely damaged other equipment in the area.

 

The Mars Generation_How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13_2021Mission Control Center during Apollo 13 splashdown
Image credit: NASA JSC

Apollo 13: Creative Thinking Saves the Day

When disaster struck Apollo 13, the crew found themselves trapped 200,000 miles away from Earth. The worst was feared as NASA faced a crisis they had never dealt with before. Scientists from around the world needed to come together and think creatively in order to bring the astronauts back home safely.

The Problems

The explosion aboard the spacecraft presented numerous problems. The crew now faced a severe shortage of oxygen, water, electricity, and light. Temperatures dropped drastically, hitting a low of roughly 38 °F, and food became inedible. Oxygen vented out of the spacecraft at a rapid pace, and attitude control thrusters were damaged by the explosion and unable to stabilize the spacecraft. Life support systems were inoperable and in order to conserve resources for reentry, Command Module systems needed to be shut down. These systems helped the spacecraft operate, navigate, and support the astronauts, but the ones that were nonessential were turned off until it was time to return home.

In order to survive, the crew had to transfer to Aquarius, the Landing Module meant to land on the Moon. They moved to this part of the spacecraft quickly, around an hour after the explosion occurred. However, this spacecraft was only designed to support two men for two days and lacked a heat shield needed for reentry. Scientists and engineers needed to figure out how to solve each of these problems and conserve limited and damaged resources.

The Solution

The first problem NASA teams needed to work out was what flight path the astronauts could take home. With limited supplies, conserving time was of utmost importance. However, taking a shorter path was a riskier approach, and no one wanted to take any chances. Due to this, mission control decided to guide the spacecraft on a longer route – traveling around the Moon before heading back to Earth – and they came up with creative ways to conserve supplies.

This new flight path would take four days. For this duration, the astronauts transferred to stay in Aquarius, which scientists reconfigured to support the three of them. One system they created was a “mail box.”

 

The Mars Generation_How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13_2021Apollo 13 Lunar Module “Mail Box”
Image Credit: NASA

This arrangement took lithium hydroxide canisters from the Command Module to get rid of carbon dioxide from the Landing Module. This “mail box” was made solely out of a plastic bag, a spacesuit hose, cardstock, and duct tape and successfully kept carbon dioxide levels down for the duration of the flight.

To deal with issues of food and water, the crew had to ration what they consumed. Each astronaut was limited to six ounces of water per day (that’s about half a standard plastic water bottle!), and they lost a total of 31 pounds during their mission. Their intake was strictly monitored because not only did the astronauts need water, but the spacecraft did as well. Water helps cool machinery down and prevents any further damage caused by heat exposure.

The temperature in the spacecraft, which dropped to 38℉, was also an issue. Lovell and Haise put on the boots they were supposed to wear when they walked on the Moon. Swigert didn’t have a pair (because he was never supposed to walk outside the spacecraft) so instead, he had to put on extra clothing to keep warm.

While conditions were rough, everyone came together to make sure the astronauts made it back home alive. NASA teams worked round the clock to improvise solutions to help the crew stay safe during their four-day journey home, and ultimately, they were successful. On April 17, the astronauts splashed down in the South Pacific Ocean. They were successfully picked up by American ships, but two ships from the Soviet Union were also present at the site in case more help was needed. Haise suffered from a kidney and urinary tract infection, but the crew had otherwise made it back home unharmed.

 

The Mars Generation_How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13_2021President Nixon and Apollo 13 crewmen
Image credit: NASA JSC

Apollo 13: The Legacy

What could have been a terrible failure turned into an important moment in history. Apollo 13 demonstrated the power of humanity and how, when great minds come together, people can accomplish extraordinary things. The lessons we learned from Apollo 13 have changed both the space industry and the world of science.

Public Response

When the astronauts began their descent back to Earth, countries around the world were ready to pick them up. Soviet Union ships were at the landing area ready to offer assistance, and multiple other countries offered resources as well, including France, Uruguay, and Burundi. Years prior, many of these countries had signed the International Agreement for the Safe Return of Astronauts, which said they would take any and all needed steps to rescue astronauts in distress. This agreement exemplified the power of international collaboration.

Tens of millions of people everywhere watched Apollo 13’s splashdown, united in their concern for the crew As Jack Gould, a reporter for the New York Times, put it:

“The venture, which came so close to tragic disaster, in all probability united the world in mutual concern more fully than another successful landing on the moon would have.”

Change in Mission Design

While this mission was a close call, the experience helped NASA make improvements to their spacecraft and ultimately learn. For subsequent Apollo missions, oxygen tanks were redesigned, thermostats were modified, and stirring fans were removed. Emergency water and batteries were added to the Command Module, and another oxygen tank was added so that one would never go below half full. This third tank was set up so that it could be isolated from fuel cells and the other oxygen tanks if an emergency arose. Furthermore, all electrical wiring was upgraded to be lined with stainless steel and monitoring systems were changed to detect and alert the crew of anomalies sooner.

The Power of Space Exploration

As evident with Apollo 13, space exploration has the power to bring the world together. Scientists and engineers everywhere gave their all to help rescue the three stranded astronauts. In their efforts, they developed innovations and technologies that revolutionized spaceflight. The creative solutions they came up with have assisted people everywhere, not just astronauts, and have had lasting impacts on our lives.

Apollo 13 demonstrated the power of teamwork as people achieved things that had never been done before. While the mission didn’t fulfill its intended goal, it was by no means a failure. Without the lessons we learned from Apollo 13, we would not be able to achieve the things we have today.

 

The Power of Creativity

Apollo 13 showed us just how powerful creativity is. Creativity can turn failures into extraordinary successes, but none of that would be possible without people’s hard work and dedication. To learn more about the importance of creativity in achieving your goals, check out my new book, Dream Big!: How to Reach For Your Stars. Inside, I share my advice for chasing after your dreams, developing your creativity, and discuss important habits to develop that’ll help you get there.

The post How Creativity Saved the Crew of Apollo 13 appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/how-creativity-saved-the-crew-of-apollo-13/feed/ 4
43 Recommendations for Kids Space Books https://themarsgeneration.org/43-recommendations-for-kids-space-books/ https://themarsgeneration.org/43-recommendations-for-kids-space-books/#comments Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:47:53 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9919 Looking for a good book to read? Well, in a recent tweet, a father asked for book recommendations for his fifth-grade stepdaughter, who is starting a Space Club at her school. My stepdaughter (a fifth grader) told me this morning she’s starting a Space Club at school. 🚀 Anyone have some book recommendations she could […]

The post 43 Recommendations for Kids Space Books appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_2021

Looking for a good book to read? Well, in a recent tweet, a father asked for book recommendations for his fifth-grade stepdaughter, who is starting a Space Club at her school.

The Twitter community came together and delivered! So we’ve compiled a list of everyone’s favorite space books so that you can find your next great read. Here are the best book recommendations from our space community!

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20211. Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood

Recommended Age: 3-5 years

In this book, the author swaps Cinderella’s glass slippers for space boots! Cinderella’s got a knack for building spaceships and uses it to help others. When the prince’s rocket breaks down, she’s there to help him get to the Royal Ball. Soon after, though, she runs off, and the prince is left to search the cosmos for the girl that saved him. With colorful illustrations, this is the classic story of Cinderella with an interstellar twist.

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20212. Red Rover by Richard Ho

Recommended Age: 3-6 years

Join the mission of NASA’s Curiosity rover and see what it does on Mars day to day. Told from the perspective of the Red Planet, readers will learn about Mars’ significance and why scientists send rovers and other spacecraft there. Coupled with stunning illustrations, this book brings young readers on a ground-breaking mission while also teaching them about the science and history of space exploration.

 

3. Moonshot by Brian Floca

Recommended Age: 4 years and up

Learn about NASA’s Apollo 11 mission in a new light and what it was like to travel somewhere no human had gone before. Hear the stories of the scientists behind the Moon landing’s success, and follow along with astronauts right from their spacecraft. Moonshot brings readers on a roller coaster of emotions and inspires them to reach new heights.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20214. A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade

Recommended Age: 4-8

This illustrated biography tells the story of NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson, who was a leader in sending the first crewed missions to space. However, her journey wasn’t an easy one. She needed to prove that her race and gender didn’t define her intellect, and she could do anything her male counterparts could. Learn how Johnson broke stereotypes in the space industry and paved the way for new generations to find their place in the world of STEM.

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20215. Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins and Lucy Knisley

Recommended Age: 4-8 years

Margaret Hamilton was a pioneer in her field. Without her, many of NASA’s Apollo missions may have had a different outcome. She even hand wrote the code that helped spacecraft solve issues right from orbit. In Margaret and the Moon, readers will follow along on her journey and learn how essential this code was during history-making missions.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20216. What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett and Diana Sudyka

Recommended Age: 4-8 years

Learn about the incredible true story of Maria Mitchell, the first professional female astronomer in the United States, and how her late-night discovery earned her worldwide recognition. Discover how Mitchell went from humble beginnings to making incredible scientific achievements, and how her legacy continues to inspire generations of young female scientists.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20217. Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin

Recommended Age: 4-8 years

How small are we…really? Your Place in the Universe helps readers understand the extraordinary size and composition of our universe. The sizes and scales of objects in outer space can seem unimaginable, but with detailed illustrations, audiences can better picture the world beyond our planet and what is out there to explore.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20218. A is for Astronaut by Clayton Anderson and Scott Brundage

Recommended Age: 6-9 years

Learn about the mission of an astronaut from A-Z, told by retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson. Discover how astronauts prepare, what they go through during the flight, and the history of NASA over the years. With fun poems and illustrations, budding astronauts will learn about spaceflight right from someone who has experienced it.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_20219. Ambassador by William Alexander

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

When Gabe Fuentes is selected to be Earth’s ambassador to the galaxy, he quickly runs into trouble. A dangerous alien force is on its way towards Earth, and they’re targeting Gabe. As Gabe struggles to figure out what to do, he learns that his undocumented immigrant parents are at risk of being deported. Can Gabe solve both his problems at home and problems in the Galaxy?

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202110. Chasing Space by Leland Melvin

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Leland Melvin has had a remarkable career. He’s played football with the Detroit Lions, made music with will.i.am, completed missions to the International Space Station, and served as the NASA Associate Administrator for Education. It’s no surprise that Melvin has been regarded as one of the most inspirational astronauts! Now, he’s sharing his story to show anything is possible and motivate young people to chase their dreams.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202111. Clues to the Universe by Christina Li

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Rosalind Ling Geraghty has always loved building rockets with her father, but when he passes away suddenly, Ro has no one to finish the project with. Meanwhile, her friend Benjamin Burns doesn’t like rockets all that much –  he’s a comic book fan! When Benji finds out his favorite comic was written by his father, who walked out years ago, he decides he wants to meet him. Ro helps the two reunite, knowing just how powerful a child’s relationship with their father is, and in return, Benji helps Ro finish her rocket. Together, the two take on an adventure of self-discovery and explore just how the universe works.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202112. Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

When Miranda Regent is chosen to be one of six kids on the first mission to Mars, she couldn’t be more excited. But just as the news was announced, Miranda starts receiving threatening messages, all while  attacks are made on the astronauts’ training base. She’s going to need the help of her friends around the world to save the mission and show that science is more important than personal greed.

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202113. Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Robot by Markus Motum

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Read about the mission of the Curiosity rover, right from the rover herself. Curiosity traveled somewhere no human has gone before and has spent years collecting data for scientists back on Earth. Learn how she got her name, how she completes her tasks, and how exactly she spends her time on Mars.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202114. I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

It’s 1969 and Mamie’s class is preparing for the launch of Apollo 11. The boys are writing letters to Buzz Aldrin and the girls are writing to Neil Armstrong. No one is writing to Michael Collins…well, except for Mamie. Michael Collins’ job is important: taking care of the ship the others can return home safely. This resonates with Mamie, who in her letters, tells him about her family struggles and how no one is ever home to take care of her. The Apollo 11 mission brought the world together, but can it bring Mamie’s family back home?

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202115. In the Red by Christopher Swiedler

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Michael and Lilith know they shouldn’t venture out on the Mars surface alone, but when adventure awaits, how can they refuse? They leave the safety of the colony and ride miles away when suddenly, a solar flare strikes and knocks out power, communication, and even Mars’ magnetic field! Will Michael and Lilith be able to make it back to the colony alive?

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202116. Lost In Outer Space: Incredible Journey of Apollo 13 by Tod Olson

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

The astronauts on NASA’s Apollo 13 mission were aiming for the Moon, but after a damaging explosion, they’re just lucky to make it back to Earth alive. Step inside the Apollo 13 spacecraft and experience firsthand this exhilarating mission for survival. Learn how astronauts overcame obstacles and how scientists back on Earth dealt with problems as they rose thousands of miles away.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202117. Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Nova can’t wait for the upcoming space launch. She has big dreams, but because she has severe autism, her teacher and foster parents don’t take her seriously. The only person that does is her sister, Bridget. But when Bridget mysteriously disappears one day, Nova is left to find her place in her community – and celebrate the launch – alone.

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202118. Quintessence by Jess Redman

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

When Alma spies a falling star in her telescope, she’s excited to see it land in her backyard. However, upon closer inspection, she notices it looks like a child. The star is lost, far from home, and lonely – Alma knows how it feels. She embarks on a mission to return the star back to its place in the sky, but can’t do it alone. She needs some magical help, and the assistance of her school’s Astronomy Club.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202119. Space Case by Stuart Gibbs

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Space Case is a whodunit mystery with an astronomical twist. Twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is one of the first humans to live on the Moon. But when the base’s top scientist, Dr. Holtz, is found dead, Dash suspects foul play. Only, no one believes him. Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important discovery that would change everything for the families living on the base. Is that discovery worth killing someone to keep it a secret?

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202120. The Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Bell grew up on Mars, only ever hearing stories about the US colonies. He knows that they keep secrets and remain largely isolated from the colonies on Mars. But when all the adults fall ill with a mysterious illness, Bell needs to figure out why. In order to unite the planet, he and the other kids need to uncover the truth, because in order to survive, everyone needs to work together.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202121. To Fly Among the Stars by Rebecca Siegel

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

For years, NASA’s astronaut groups have been dominated by men. But during their training, women have always worked alongside them. Women went through the same astronaut tests and worked hard to prove themselves worthy of being a part of the astronaut crews. Learn about their inspirational stories and how they broke down barriers so that young women, too, can now fly among the stars.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202122. Voyage of the Dogs by Greg van Eekhout

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Lopside is a specially trained dog who journeys to space alongside human astronauts. Their mission is to set up a base on another far-off planet, but along the way, they run into some trouble. The human crew disappears, leaving Lopside and the other Barkonauts alone. Will they be able to complete their mission safely? Lopside is going to show that he’s not only man’s, but Earth’s, best friend.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202123. We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

Recommended Age: 8-12 years

Middle school is a difficult time for everyone, and that includes Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas. These three seventh-grade siblings each have their own struggles, from poor grades to low self-esteem. They don’t connect with each other much, except when dealing with their tense home environment. What ultimately brings them together is a school project and the 1986 space shuttle Challenger launch. Follow along the resilient story of the Nelson Thomas kids as they navigate middle school and learn just how powerful family can be.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202124. Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey To Tomorrow by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Recommended Age: 9-11 years

NASA’s has been pushing the limits of science and technology since it was established in 1958. Learn about the organization’s history and how feats like landing on the Moon and Mars were made possible. Hear the stories of lesser-known scientists and discover their important contributions to these missions. Also, discover what the driving force behind space exploration is and how it will propel us toward exciting future discoveries!

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202125. Spaceman by Mike Massimino

Recommended Age: 9-12 years

Discover the true story of Mike Massimino and how he went from a boy with a dream to one of NASA’s most well-known astronauts. While his story begins as a young boy growing up in Long Island, where people rarely moved far from home, he eventually ends up flying thousands of miles above the Earth. Along his journey, Massimino faced challenges and setbacks, but they never stopped him from pursuing his dream, and now he’s sharing his story to inspire others to do the same.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202126. Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy by Joshua S. Levy

Recommended Age: 9-13 years

Can you imagine going to school on a spaceship orbiting Jupiter? For thirteen-year-old Jack, that’s his reality. But when that school is mysteriously attacked, Jack’s father leaves it up to him to save the ship. He gives Jack an important invention, allowing them to be catapulted away from danger… only its  into a group of aliens no one has seen before (uh-oh). Now, it’s up to Jack to get his school back to safety and get his friends home.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202127. The Martian by Andy Weir

Recommended Age: 10 years and up

Astronaut Mark Watney was one of the first humans to have stepped foot on Mars. But when a dust storm forces the crew to evacuate, Watney finds himself as the only human on the Martian surface; the rest of the crew left him behind. When the dust clears, he’s left with limited resources, food, and damaged technology. When the odds are all stacked against him, can he survive long enough for a rescue mission to bring him home?

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202128. Fighting For Space by Teitel Amy Shira

Recommended Age: 10 to 12 years

This dual biography tells the stories of female pilots Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb and the dream of being the first American woman in space. From breaking the sound barrier to taking the same tests as the Mercury astronauts, readers will follow the adventures of Cochran and Cobb as they fight to turn their dreams into reality. Their journey takes on both social and political issues as they strive to defy odds and create a “women astronaut” program.

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202129. My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi

Recommended Age: 10-12 years

Ebony-Grace Norfleet grew up nurtured by her grandfather, one of the first black engineers at NASA. She loves Star Wars and Star Trek, and all things science fiction. But when family trouble arises and she has to move to the other side of the country, Ebony-Grace has to find new ways to share her passion. She doesn’t let herself be limited by other people’s imaginations and instead journeys to find her own place in her new home.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202130. Path to the Stars by Sylvia Acevedo

Recommended Age: 10-12 years

Discover the inspiring true story of Sylvia Acevedo, one of the first Latinx to earn a master’s in engineering from Stanford University. Throughout her childhood, she struggled with loss following the meningitis outbreak. How did she cope? She joined Girl Scouts! Girl Scouts taught her to take control of her life and helped her reach her dream of becoming a rocket scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Today, Acevedo serves as CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA and continues to help girls reach their full potential.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202131. See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

Recommended Age: 10-13 years

In 1977, astronomer Carl Sagan helped send the Golden Record into space on board the Voyager spacecraft. Now, 11-year-old Alex Petroski wants to do the same….t only with his golden iPod instead. Before he can send it, he needs to record what life is like on Earth and document his journey in case any aliens ever happen to stumble upon it.

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202132. Rocket Science by Andrew Radar

Recommended Age: 10-14 years

In Rocket Science, Andrew Radar makes rocket science accessible to anyone. Learn how rockets work – down to the different stages and power generation – and how scientists use them to travel far beyond our planet. This guide opens up discussions about the future of exploration too, and the possibility of discovering extraterrestrial life. Hard? Pssh…it’s only rocket science!

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202133. The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth by Rachel Ignotofsky

Recommended Age: 10-14 years

Earth works in fascinating ways. The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth breaks down biodiversity, ecosystems and their inhabitants, the cycles of nature, and a whole lot more. Readers will learn what we need to do to protect our planet and how we can better contribute to nature’s wellbeing.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202134. What We See in the Stars by Kelsey Oseid

Recommended Age: 10-14 years

Take a tour of the night sky guided by beautiful artwork combining mythology and science. Learn about everything from constellations to  bright stars to nebulae to deep space, and fall in love with the magic and history of outer space. This book takes young stargazers deeper into the night sky and helps them find their place among the stars.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202135. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Recommended Age: 11 years and up

Behind the historic missions of Alan Shepard and Neil Armstrong were a group of “human computers.” These female mathematicians made complex calculations by hand that were essential to  sending the first humans to space and bring them home safely. Among these women were Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden who worked specifically in the all-Black “West Computing” unit. Learn about their stories and how they overcame barriers and stereotypes to ultimately change the space industry forever.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202136. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Recommended Age: 11 years and up

Earth is about to be demolished, and Arthur Dent needs a way out. Luckily, his friend Ford Prefect is there to pick him up and together they fly off on a journey into the galaxy. Along the way, they meet other travelers looking for the answers to the universe. Join their hilarious adventure as they frolic through the galaxy and figure out outer space’s inner workings.

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202137. Endurance: My Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery by Scott Kelly

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

Scott Kelly holds the record for most consecutive days spent in space by an American and has flown on four spaceflights. However, his time in space has not been without challenges. He’s dealt with isolation from his loved ones, unique struggles with his physical health, and the fear of colliding with space junk – challenges far from the mundane. Discover his incredible journey as he recalls his career and the obstacles he’s had to surmount in the pursuit of science.

 

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202138. Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

For decades, Nightwatch has been one of the top stargazing guides around the world. It includes charts and tables, stunning photography, how-to instructions, and planet locations perfect for any backyard astronomer. With only your naked eye, you’ll learn how to see some of the most incredible stellar spectacles, and if you have a telescope, you can discover how to peer even farther into space.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202139. Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

Sally Ride was the first American woman and known LGBTQ+ person to travel to space. In this biography, discover her story and learn how she broke down barriers to allow young women to chase after their dreams and become astronauts. She’s dedicated her entire life to promoting science education, co-founding a company and writing several books on the matter. Her determination and achievements have inspired millions around the world, and now, readers can take a glimpse into how Ride balanced her public image as a scientist with her heavily guarded personal life.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202140. The Space Race by Deborah Cadbury

Recommended Age: 12 years and up

Travel back in time to the space race and experience the remarkable triumphs, political fears, and ground-breaking technological feats between the United States and the Soviet Union. Hear the stories of the people at the center of the race that were unrelenting in their mission to make history and send humans to the Moon. Learn what life was like during this era and how two countries’ competition for dominance led to revolutionary innovations.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202141. Packing for Mars by Mary Roach

Recommended Age: 13 years and up

Ever wonder what it’s like to travel to space and live on the International Space Station? Mary Roach has the answers. In Packing for Mars, she takes on the particularly gross challenges astronauts face on their journey – vomit, feces, body odor, and more – in a humorous way. These are topics not often discussed in the media, but for young aspiring astronauts, they paint a more realistic picture of space travel to consider.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202142. Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Recommended Age: 14-16 years

In this science fiction, dystopian tale, Ray Bradbury explores what life looks like on Mars and what happens when humans try to interfere with it. Set immediately after World War II, Bradbury brings to life an alien species and describes their conflicts with the people from Earth. The post-apocalyptic technologies will bring readers to the Red Planet and leave them wondering what’s really there.

 

The Mars Generation_43 Book Recommendations from Our Space Community_202143. Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam

Recommended Age: 14-16 years

This memoir by Homer Hickam shares the story of how he chased after his dreams to become a NASA engineer. It’s a coming-of-age story set in the 1950s, where Hickam’s biggest fear was never growing up and getting out of his dying town. Against all odds, he made his dream of launching rockets into space come true during an important time in the space industry. Hickam recalls the obstacles he faced and how he found the hope and determination to overcome them.

 

 

What Will Your Next Space Read Be?

A huge thanks to our space community for these fantastic recommendations! We have one more to add: our very own Abigail Harrison’s new book, Dream Big!: How to Reach for Your Stars, for anyone looking to chase after their dreams. However, each and every one of these books is perfect for both school clubs and to pass the time in quarantine!

If you are looking for more space content to share with the astronomy-lover in your life, be sure to follow The Mars Generation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and sign up for our email list.

The post 43 Recommendations for Kids Space Books appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/43-recommendations-for-kids-space-books/feed/ 1
TMG Intern Spotlight: Katherine Morin https://themarsgeneration.org/tmg-intern-spotlight-katherine-morin/ https://themarsgeneration.org/tmg-intern-spotlight-katherine-morin/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:11:19 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9951   Introducing Katherine Morin: our newest intern here at The Mars Generation! Katherine is a first-year student at Wellesley College, just like our President and Co-Founder Abby Harrison once was! Passing on this paid internship to another Wellesley student is one way Abby has been able to give back to her community. Katherine has been […]

The post TMG Intern Spotlight: Katherine Morin appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
 

TMG_Intern Spotlight: Katherine Morin_2021

Introducing Katherine Morin: our newest intern here at The Mars Generation!

Katherine is a first-year student at Wellesley College, just like our President and Co-Founder Abby Harrison once was! Passing on this paid internship to another Wellesley student is one way Abby has been able to give back to her community. Katherine has been an intern with The Mars Generation for a few months now, and has already brought so much talent to our team! Her main role at The Mars Generation has been creating, writing, and editing awesome content for our non-profit as well as assisting Abby with some of her own projects.

Currently, Katherine is training with our soon to be graduating intern and Wellesley student, Emily Pattison. Emily has been showing her the ropes around here since she will be taking over Emily’s role when Emily graduates this spring. She is learning from the best! Katherine is studying mathematics and astronomy with aspirations to become a scientist working in the space industry or a college professor. So cool! We look forward to working with Katherine during her time at Wellesley and we hope that her experience with us at TMG over the next few years will help her develop the skills and knowledge she needs to take on her dreams!

Welcome to the team, Katherine!

Read more about Katherine below:

Graduation Year at Wellesley: 2024

What is your major at Wellesley? Math & Astronomy.

What are your career goals or big dreams or both? Scientist in the space industry, college professor.

What are your interests? Creative writing, reading, foreign language, biology.

What kind of clubs are you in? ASTRO club, Club Rocks, Wellesley/MIT Ballroom Dance Team.

What is your favorite planet and why? Venus! Just a few months ago, scientists discovered phosphine on Venus. I am excited to see what this discovery leads to and if it has anything to do with extraterrestrial life!

Who is your favorite astronaut and why? My favorite astronaut is Christina Koch! She holds the record for the longest continuous time in space by a woman and was part of the first all-female spacewalk with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir.

Why did you want to work at TMG? I was captivated by The Mars Generation’s mission to promote STEM education and energize young people to get involved in space exploration! Being able to help students achieve their dreams is a rewarding experience, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with such talented and supportive individuals.

Why do you think STEM is important? In STEM, the possibilities are limitless. We can develop technologies to fly into deep space, filter water in a quicker, more accessible way, and more! These kinds of innovations will help society grow and create a brighter future.

What’s the thing you look forward to learning the most? In outer space, there is so much unknown! I am excited to see what scientists will discover in the next few years. The existence of extraterrestrial life has always fascinated me, and I’m curious to see – if we do find life – what it will look like. How will life survive on a planet with conditions different from Earth’s? That discovery could change our understanding of life as we know it!

The post TMG Intern Spotlight: Katherine Morin appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/tmg-intern-spotlight-katherine-morin/feed/ 2
TMG Intern Spotlight: Emily Pattison https://themarsgeneration.org/tmg-intern-spotlight-emily-pattison/ https://themarsgeneration.org/tmg-intern-spotlight-emily-pattison/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:54:00 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9346 Interns are invaluable to any organization and we can certainly say that for our own interns here at The Mars Generation. That’s why we want to shine a spotlight on Emily Pattison, one of our interns! Emily is a student at Wellesley College, the same school our co-founder and President Abby Harrison graduated from! It’s […]

The post TMG Intern Spotlight: Emily Pattison appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
Intern Emily Pattison

Interns are invaluable to any organization and we can certainly say that for our own interns here at The Mars Generation.

That’s why we want to shine a spotlight on Emily Pattison, one of our interns! Emily is a student at Wellesley College, the same school our co-founder and President Abby Harrison graduated from! It’s always been important for Abby to give back to her community, and passing on this paid internship to another scholar in the Wellesley community felt like the perfect thing to do. Emily has been balancing her studies with The Mars Generation internship for nearly four years now–very impressive to say the least! Emily’s primary role at TMG has been directing and writing scripts for the #AskAbby Youtube Show, but she has also spent time writing and editing for many other projects.

Though we are sad to see her internship come to end, we’re so excited to see Emily graduate this year! She currently has goals to work in the entertainment industry, and with all her experience working for TMG and #AskAbby, we know she’s ready and prepared to take on anything! With her upcoming graduation, Emily has already found her replacement: another Wellesley student! Our new intern is a first year student, just like Emily was when she first joined TMG, and it is our hope that we can also provide her with years of valuable experience for her future career!

But for now, let’s hear more from Emily!

What is your major at Wellesley? Double Major in Economics & Media Arts and Sciences (MAS)

What are your career goals or big dreams or both? To get an MBA, work in the entertainment industry, create a social impact, and potentially go into entrepreneurship.

I also want to adopt a cat, live abroad, and finally become fluent in Spanish!

What are your interests? Hiking, politics, astronomy, theatre, traveling, ukulele and playing the piano.

What kind of clubs are you in? Co-Founder and CEO of Our Voice, a mobile app startup for young people to get involved in politics, Vice President of The Wellesley College Democrats, Founder and President of Wendy Pictures (Film Production), Actor in Wellesley College Upstage and Mainstage (Theatre), and member of Project W (Entrepreneurship).

What is your favorite planet and why? Saturn! I’m excited to see if life exists in the oceans of Enceladus. Plus, the rings are so beautiful to look at! The planet looks like it’s hula-hooping.

Who is your favorite astronaut and why? Peggy Whitson! She’s spent more time in space than any other American astronaut, which is pretty cool!

Why did you want to work at TMG? I love the mission statement–not only am I excited by space exploration and expanding our current knowledge of the universe, but The Mars Generation is all about helping young people achieve their dreams. Being able to put out content that helps young people reach for the stars and fulfill their full potential means a lot to me. The team culture is also fun and collaborative, and I’ve been able to have a variety of work that helps me learn and expand my skill set.

Why do you think STEM is important? STEM is what allows our society to push forward and innovate on new technologies. With STEM, we can learn more about the universe, solve health-related problems, climate change, and more. The possibilities with STEM are endless.

What’s the thing you look forward to learning the most? So much! If there’s life on another planet, but then also, what is inside a black hole, if there are different dimensions, how the universe started, etc… The physics of the universe are really interesting for me to read about, especially as so much is unknown. For instance, we don’t yet have a complete and consistent theory for quantum gravity! I’m really excited to learn the relationship between gravity, time, and space on different scales.

The post TMG Intern Spotlight: Emily Pattison appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/tmg-intern-spotlight-emily-pattison/feed/ 1
Help Us Make Space History Today! How You Can Help NOW! https://themarsgeneration.org/help-us-make-space-history-today-how-you-can-help-now/ https://themarsgeneration.org/help-us-make-space-history-today-how-you-can-help-now/#respond Sun, 21 Feb 2021 04:54:59 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9416 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… we have liftoff…we have lift off! The Mars Generation has the chance to make space history–but we need your help! Our deadline is February 28, so we are on a countdown for the next few days! Inspiration4 Mission This opportunity comes from the ecommerce platform […]

The post Help Us Make Space History Today! How You Can Help NOW! appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
#LetsLaunchAbby_Inspiration4 Contest_The Mars Generation_Astronaut Abby#LetsLaunchAbby_Inspiration4 Contest_The Mars Generation_Astronaut Abby

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

we have liftoff…we have lift off!

The Mars Generation has the chance to make space history–but we need your help! Our deadline is February 28, so we are on a countdown for the next few days!

Inspiration4 Mission

This opportunity comes from the ecommerce platform Shift4Shop.com, has announced that they are sending the world’s first all-civilian mission to space. The Inspiration4 mission will raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and represents a new era of human spaceflight and exploration.

One of the 4 seats on this first-of-its-kind mission will go to the winner of the Inspiration4 Contest. To enter, a business needs a representative with a desire to go to space and who is willing to create and upload a video to Twitter for judging. The videos are being judged on how viral they are, how entertaining they are, and how inspirational their entrepreneur’s story is.

We think Abby (our co-founder and president) is the perfect candidate to win this contest and become part of this historic mission. She has worked tirelessly for a decade to reach her own dreams of space travel, but more than that, she has shared it publicly with so many others. Abby’s sharing of her own journey has led to her building an amazing community online. While many would use that following for their own benefit, Abby has always been about giving back, donating 100% of her earnings from speaking, brand influencer work, book royalties, and more to The Mars Generation to help us reach our mission. Our mission has always been to inspire people to dream big and reach for their own Mars, so Abby and the Mars Generation are the perfect fit for this contest!

How You Can Help

You can support The Mars Generation in sending Abby to space by sharing her #Inspiration4Contest entry on Twitter with as many people as you can. Watch her video, then please retweet, share it on Facebook, DM your friends with the link, do whatever you can to spread the word. Abby’s journey started on Twitter, and now we are calling on the Twitter community who have been so loyal and supportive over the past decade to help Abby graduate from an “Aspiring Astronaut” to a real Astronaut!

Your donations also help! Visit Abby’s ecommerce Shift4Shop product page here. Every donation in the LetsLaunchAbby.com store goes 100% to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!

On Twitter

Watch Abby’s contest entry video here! Then like, comment, retweet, quote retweet on a different day to spread the word!

Why do this? Because this is where the contest is happening and the “viral” nature of this video is being judged solely on what happens to this video. We need views, and Twitter’s algorithm prioritizes tweets with a lot of interaction to show to even more people! So please go to Twitter now (even without an account, your view still counts) and help us make history.

On Facebook

You don’t even have to be on Twitter to help! Share the link to Abby’s tweet on Facebook and encourage others to view the video and retweet!

Make sure to also post in any groups or pages you’re involved in!

Please remind people that they can click the link and watch the video even if they don’t have a Twitter account to help get Abby more views. Let’s empower women to be the first and take a front seat in history. Become an advocate today!

On Instagram

If you have more than 10,000 followers on Instagram, you can share the contest video link in stories, so grab a screenshot of the Tweet, add the link in your story, tell people to “swipe up to view” and you’re good to go! If you have fewer than 10,000, you can still post about it and tag @themarsgeneration and @astronautabbyofficial!

On LinkedIn

You can even link Abby’s tweet on LinkedIn! Share with the people you’re connected to and get them excited!

Make sure you’re posting to different groups or networks you’re a part of! T

his is an amazing opportunity to empower women and accomplish more representation in space travel, and we know people will want to hear about it!

Text, Email, Direct Messenger

Share Abby’s tweet with your contacts, whether it’s over text, email, direct message, or What’sApp!

Your getting the word out and sharing Abby’s story is what will ultimately help her make history as the youngest astronaut to ever go to space!

Support the Cause

Not only will you be helping launch Abby to space, but you will help support a truly worthy cause here on Earth. You can visit Abby’s ecommerce Shift4Shop #LetsLaunchAbby website here for an opportunity to pick up one of 20 inspirational Dream Big web chats with Abby by donating $100. Every donation made in the LetsLaunchAbby.com store goes 100% to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!

A donation of $100 will receive a one-hour inspirational group web chat via Zoom with Astronaut Abby. This chat may be set up for any group of students, including schools, classrooms, organizations, etc. of your choice. This is a way to help advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also inspiring groups of students to dream big–a mission The Mars Generation has been working toward for years!

The Mars Generation Mission

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, founded in 2015, with a goal of providing resources and role models to young people whose backgrounds are typically underrepresented in STEM fields. Some of the ways we do this is through scholarships, as well as youth leadership and awards programs. To date we have sent more than 45 kids who lack financial resources to Space Camp USA on full paid scholarships (including transportation. Our use of social media and reliance on social revenue is also part of what makes The Mars Generation so innovative and unique. Over the years, we’ve created an enormous amount of digital content for parents, teachers and students, including a YouTube learning channel, blogs, and the use of social media to provide ongoing outreach. We work tirelessly to empower young people (and all people) to dream big, reach for their own stars and work to be the change they wish to see in the world!

All of this came to be because Abby had a message about hope for the future and the drive to share it. That message, coupled with the power of social media, was amplified and became a feedback loop to fund our work and spread our inspirational mission further! We don’t just want to see Abby achieve her big dreams of space–we want to see all young people find their own Mars and inspire them to achieve goals they never thought possible.

We’re working to change the narrative of who can be a scientist and what a scientist looks like. As Abby prepares to take this big step as the youngest person ever to go to space, she will not only make history, but she will also bring everyone along on the journey. Abby achieving her mission of going to space proves that no dream is too big or out of reach, and being young doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of changing the world!

Help Us Make History!

We know that space hasn’t just been a dream of Abby’s–it’s been a dream of an entire generation who has been following her story, and now we’re closer than ever to achieving that dream!

So, what do you say? Do you think The Mars Generation deserves to be elevated to the stars and beyond? Do you want to help us make history and in the process inspire generations to believe that no dream is too big?

Then click RT, donate, and let’s go to space.

 

The post Help Us Make Space History Today! How You Can Help NOW! appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/help-us-make-space-history-today-how-you-can-help-now/feed/ 0
STEM Outreach Activity: Asteroid Mining https://themarsgeneration.org/stem-outreach-activity-asteroid-mining/ https://themarsgeneration.org/stem-outreach-activity-asteroid-mining/#respond Wed, 17 Feb 2021 16:11:44 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9263 Hey Student Space Ambassadors!  This is an outreach activity that you can use as a Student Space Ambassador to teach kids and others about an Earth & Space Science topic. You can modify this activity to use in a Zoom presentation, in your classroom, with a club, at a STEM/STEAM event or even at a […]

The post STEM Outreach Activity: Asteroid Mining appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
Hey Student Space Ambassadors!  This is an outreach activity that you can use as a Student Space Ambassador to teach kids and others about an Earth & Space Science topic. You can modify this activity to use in a Zoom presentation, in your classroom, with a club, at a STEM/STEAM event or even at a local library. Just be sure that if you’re in a group setting, you follow covid guidances!

Overview

Did you know that scientists and engineers are thinking about going to space to mine asteroids? This activity will have kids traveling to a distant asteroid to mine for minerals and other resources! Follow the steps with your kiddos at home!

Although the concept of asteroid mining seems like it belongs in science fiction, scientists, engineers, and even corporations are thinking about how it might happen one day. However, it is good to remind children that asteroid mining is not something going on in our solar system today. While NASA and various space agencies have visited—and even landed on—asteroids, we are still many years away from any large-scale mining projects. Children might have heard about other objects in the solar system. It would be helpful to discuss the differences between them if questions come up on the nature of these space objects.

Materials Needed

Background Information

It’s exciting to imagine what our lives might be like in a future filled with more space exploration—and it’s also important. It’s still too expensive and difficult to mine asteroids today. But in the future, asteroids and dwarf planets in our solar system could become new sources for materials used in manufacturing, energy production, or supporting humans living in space.

When you imagine your asteroid mining machine, you’re doing a little bit of science. Before scientists and engineers can start mining, they need to come up with ideas for how their mining machines might work. Our society will also need to consider how mining asteroids might change our lives, now and into the future.

Robot on Asteroid_Asteroid Mining_The Mars Generation

Robots designed for construction on the Moon, like the one imagined in this artist’s depiction, could also be used on asteroids.

NASA missions are helping researchers learn more about asteroids and the resources they might contain. These science missions are developing important technologies for asteroid exploration that could benefit anyone interested in exploring or mining asteroids, whether it’s NASA or a private company.

There are millions of asteroids orbiting the Sun, ranging in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers across. We’ll probably never visit them all, but even a small, house-sized asteroid could contain tons of metal for future technology on Earth, or life-sustaining water ice to support deep space exploration. Spacecraft traveling to nearby asteroids, like NASA’s OSIRIS-REx probe, are mapping and analyzing these space objects, which could someday help us better understand how to locate and mine potential resources.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx_Asteroid Mining_The Mars Generation

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, shown here as a model, will collect and return samples from the asteroid Bennu.

What Is Mining?

On Earth, the mining process takes minerals and other resources out of the ground to make new products. Mining can happen underground or on the surface, it uses many different kinds of machines and technologies, and it involves lots of different steps.

These steps include:

Review: What Is an Asteroid?

Asteroids are space objects that orbit the Sun but are much smaller than planets. They are leftover bits and pieces from the formation of the solar system. Scientists have counted about 800,000 asteroids so far—out of millions in our solar system—and found many different shapes and sizes. While asteroids are mostly made of rock, they can also contain metals and water ice. Most asteroids in the solar system can be found between Mars and Jupiter in a region called the asteroid belt.

Visiting An Asteroid

The millions of asteroids in our solar system are debris from its formation. By studying asteroids’ shapes, sizes, and compositions, scientists gather clues about how planets like Earth formed. The Psyche mission, expected to launch in 2022, will visit an asteroid called Psyche orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. Psyche is a rare asteroid—it’s made of metals like iron and nickel rather than rock. There are several hypotheses about how Psyche formed, but some scientists think that Psyche may be the core of a planet that had its exterior stripped away due to an enormous collision.

Asteroid Mining Activity

Now it’s time for your kiddos to step into the role of a NASA Scientist or Engineer! Begin this activity by printing out both the Asteroid Drawing Worksheet and the Asteroid Mining Challenge Cards listed above.

  1. Encourage your children to use their imagination to design a mining machine. How does it work? What special instruments or tools does it need? Does their machine need to communicate back to Earth? How would it get power to operate?
  2. Have your children draw a picture of their mining machine on the worksheet. Use the challenge cards if they need inspiration.
  3. Have a conversation. Why would you mine an asteroid? What does the asteroid look like after mining? How do you think life on Earth would be different after asteroid mining?

Asteroid Mining Machine Worksheet_Asteroid Mining_The Mars Generation

As your kiddos imagine, talk about, and/or draw, you can engage them in conversation about what they are drawing (or just imagining) and ask them to expand on their ideas. Here are some example prompts, but you’ll also want to follow the lead of your kiddos:

  • How did your machine travel to the asteroid?
  • Where do the mined materials go in your machine and how much can it hold?
  • How does your machine break apart the surface of the asteroid?
  • Digging material out of an asteroid might just be the first step of a mining operation. What do you think happens next? Would you move it to a space station? Back to Earth? Why?

Children may also need some encouragement to talk about how their creations and asteroid mining in general might be connected with potential future scenarios. Once again, follow the interests of your kiddos. Here are some suggested prompts:

  • What might we be able to do with the resources mined from asteroids? How might they help us explore further?
  • Who should have access to asteroids to mine? Who should get to keep and use the resources? Individuals? Corporations? Governments?
  • How might mining on Earth change after asteroid mining starts? Who might be affected? How might the environment change?
  • Should we protect or preserve some asteroids and not allow mining there?

 

This activity is brought to The Mars Generation through Discovery Station via the 2020 Explore Science: Earth and Space program through the National Informal STEM Education Network.

Credits and rights:

Artist’s depiction of potential lunar robots courtesy NASA.

Artist’s depiction of OSIRIS-REx TAGing Bennu courtesy NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

NISE

Developed and distributed by the National Informal STEM Education Network.

Copyright 2020, Sciecenter. Published under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/

This material is based on work supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC67A and 80NSSC18M0061. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The post STEM Outreach Activity: Asteroid Mining appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/stem-outreach-activity-asteroid-mining/feed/ 0
Co-Founder and President Abigail Harrison Appears on Good Morning America https://themarsgeneration.org/co-founder-and-president-abigail-harrison-appears-on-good-morning-america/ https://themarsgeneration.org/co-founder-and-president-abigail-harrison-appears-on-good-morning-america/#respond Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:30:27 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9322 Our mission at The Mars Generation is to inspire and empower young people to set big goals and get excited about the world of space and STEM. Our co-founder and president, Abigail Harrison, has just been featured on Good Morning America, specifically on GMA3: What You Need to Know, to talk about that mission, as […]

The post Co-Founder and President Abigail Harrison Appears on Good Morning America appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>

Our mission at The Mars Generation is to inspire and empower young people to set big goals and get excited about the world of space and STEM. Our co-founder and president, Abigail Harrison, has just been featured on Good Morning America, specifically on GMA3: What You Need to Know, to talk about that mission, as well as her new book, Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars.

Abby’s book is a fun and practical guide to help young people find, plan for, and accomplish their goals, and it was just released on January 19th of this year! Abby will be donating 100% of her proceeds from her book to The Mars Generation non-profit, and the proceeds will go towards educating and energizing young people in fields of space and STEM, inspiring them to work toward a bright future. Abby and the book being featured on Good Morning America on their GMA3: What You Need to Know segment is not only exciting but also continues to forward our mission.

Be sure to check out the GMA3 segment to hear Abby talk about her goals behind writing Dream Big!, how COVID-19 has affected her journey to Mars, her mission for younger generations, and her #1 piece of advice for young people pursuing their dreams. During times like these, we know that there are a lot of young people who are unsure about their futures and are looking for guidance and how to find hope. Getting your own copy of Dream Big! is a great way to stay inspired and seek advice for how to keep reaching for your goals. You can order your copy here.

And be sure to watch Abby on Good Morning America–GMA3: What You Need to Know here.

The post Co-Founder and President Abigail Harrison Appears on Good Morning America appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/co-founder-and-president-abigail-harrison-appears-on-good-morning-america/feed/ 0
School Library Journal Reviews: “Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars” by Our President Abigail Harrison https://themarsgeneration.org/school-library-journal-reviews-dream-big-how-to-reach-for-your-stars-by-our-president-abigail-harrison/ https://themarsgeneration.org/school-library-journal-reviews-dream-big-how-to-reach-for-your-stars-by-our-president-abigail-harrison/#respond Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:39:18 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9462 Our co-founder and president Abigail Harrison’s new inspirational book, Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars, released January of 2021, has been reviewed by Maile Steimer at School Library Reviews. Steimer calls Dream Big! “A recommended purchase for middle school and high school libraries.” She adds, “Counselors assisting high schoolers with college preparation and […]

The post School Library Journal Reviews: “Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars” by Our President Abigail Harrison appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
The Mars Generation_SLJ Book Review_2021

Our co-founder and president Abigail Harrison’s new inspirational book, Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars, released January of 2021, has been reviewed by Maile Steimer at School Library Reviews. Steimer calls Dream Big! “A recommended purchase for middle school and high school libraries.” She adds, “Counselors assisting high schoolers with college preparation and educators teaching leadership classes will find many of the journaling activities very useful.”

The reviewer is impressed with the book’s “conversational style,” the “inspirational quotes,” and the diverse inclusion of “illustrations depict[ing] characters with light and dark skin tones.” Maile notes, “Advice is provided on how to overcome fears and possible failures while achieving a balanced life and avoiding burnout. Harrison also emphasizes the need to seek out mentors and become a part of a diverse community to learn from others’ perspectives.” When considering Dream Big!’s ideal audience, the review says the content “is appropriate for middle and high school, with many of the strategies being pertinent to college and adult readers as well.”

Subscribe to the School Library Journal here to read the full review, and pre-order Abby Harrison’s new book, Dream Big! here.

The post School Library Journal Reviews: “Dream Big! How to Reach for Your Stars” by Our President Abigail Harrison appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/school-library-journal-reviews-dream-big-how-to-reach-for-your-stars-by-our-president-abigail-harrison/feed/ 0
10 Black Americans Who Made Extraordinary Contributions to Space Exploration https://themarsgeneration.org/10-black-americans-who-made-extraordinary-contributions-to-space-exploration/ https://themarsgeneration.org/10-black-americans-who-made-extraordinary-contributions-to-space-exploration/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:25:26 +0000 https://www.themarsgeneration.org?p=9230 February is Black History Month and we are celebrating extraordinary Black professionals who have contributed to space exploration and helped us get to where we are today, many of whom have been left out of the history books. These individuals are leaders in their fields and have each made history and broken barriers for future […]

The post 10 Black Americans Who Made Extraordinary Contributions to Space Exploration appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
The Mars Generation_Black History Month_Black Americans_Space Exploration

February is Black History Month and we are celebrating extraordinary Black professionals who have contributed to space exploration and helped us get to where we are today, many of whom have been left out of the history books. These individuals are leaders in their fields and have each made history and broken barriers for future generations to accomplish great things. Much of what we know about outer space would not be possible without them. They reached new heights with their achievements (quite literally!) and are an inspiration for young people around the world. Keep reading to learn about some amazing people.

Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker was a mathematician and the first Black astronomer in the United States. He was largely self-taught, borrowing books and lunar tables from his neighbors. With his knowledge of astronomy, he surveyed land in Washington D.C.. During the day, he would use a regulator clock to determine longitudes, and at night, he would make astronomical observations. In 1789, he forecast his first eclipse.

His Journey

Banneker was an avid writer. He wrote an almanac for farmers to both predict weather patterns and share personal opinions. One of his most well-known writing pieces was Benjamin Banneker’s Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris, for the Year of Our Lord 1792. In this piece, there were writings about the universe, fables, and an excerpt from an abolitionist essay.

His Legacy

During his time, people were too focused on Banneker’s race to celebrate his accomplishments. Banneker grew frustrated by this and worked to show that his skin color did not define his intellect. He spent time working with Thomas Jefferson in a way no Black person had before, breaking barriers for more Black men and women to be involved with academia.

 

Dorothy J. Vaughan

Photo Credit: NASA

Dorothy Vaughan

Dorothy Vaughan was a mathematician and “human computer” for NASA. She was the first Black person to supervise staff at West Area Computers. Vaughan spent 28 years in this position, teaching herself and the other women about machine computers and programming languages.

Her Journey

In 1929, Dorothy Vaughan graduated from Wilberforce University with her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She attended the university on a full-tuition scholarship from the West Virginia Conference of the A.M.E. Sunday School Convention. After graduating, she went on to work as a high school math teacher to assist her family during the Great Depression.

Vaughan began working for the Langley Research Center, NASA’s oldest flight center, in 1943 as a mathematician and programmer. Most of her work was based on calculating flight paths and computer programming. It was within Langley that Vaughan was assigned to the West Area Computers unit, and she became acting head in 1949. West Computers was composed of entirely female, Black mathematicians. These women worked on space missions for the Space Race and made complex math calculations by hand.

One notable member of Vaughan’s group was Katherine Johnson. As machine computers advanced and became more popular, Vaughan taught herself, Johnson and the other women how to use them. Through her decades-long career, she dedicated herself to promoting Black women’s involvement in STEM fields and paved the way for more female opportunities at NASA.

Her Legacy

Dorothy Vaughn led the way for Black women to be involved with NASA’s missions. Throughout her career, she worked to promote STEM education – teaching the other women all about computer programming when she could – and empower women to pursue their passion for science and technology. Today, much involvement of Black Americans and women in STEM is thanks to her.

 

Mary Jackson

Photo Credit: NASA Langley Research Center

Mary Jackson

Mary Jackson was a mathematician and aerospace engineer for both the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and NASA. She worked under Dorothy Vaughn at West Area Computers before going on to become NASA’s first Black female engineer. Just last year, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine shared that NASA’s headquarters would be named Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters, in her honor.

Her Journey

Jackson first worked as a research mathematician at Langley Research Center. After taking graduate courses in mathematics and physics, she was promoted to the position of aerospace engineer in 1958. As an engineer, Jackson researched airflow, thrust and drag forces, and wind tunnels. She worked in the High-Speed Aerodynamics Division, the Subsonic-Transonic Aerodynamics Division. Compressibility Research Division, and Full-Scale Research Division, and authored or co-authored 12 papers.

After 34 years of work, Jackson earned the most senior engineering title available. Following this accomplishment, she accepted a demotion to be a manager of both NASA’s Federal Women’s Program and Affirmative Action Program. In this position, she worked on hiring women and minorities in STEM fields.

Her Legacy

As NASA’s first female, Black engineer, Mary Jackson showed young Black women everywhere that they too could pursue their dreams. Her work in NASA’s Federal Women’s Program and Affirmative Action Program brought more women and minorities to NASA and other STEM programs, destroying stereotypes in the process.

 

Katherine Johnson

Photo Credit: NASA

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician and one of the first Black women to work at NASA as a scientist. Her calculations were essential to some of the first human spaceflights. She calculated the trajectory for the space flight of Alan Shepherd – the first American to go to space – and verified electronic calculations of John Glenn’s orbit around Earth. She also worked on the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 missions.

Her Journey

Katherine Johnson broke countless barriers for Black women in STEM. In 1937, she graduated from West Virginia State University with degrees in mathematics and French – at only 18 years old! Professors had to add new math courses for her, as she took every math class offered. Johnson went on to attend graduate school at West Virginia University, the first Black woman to do so.

At the start of her NASA career, Johnson worked as a “human computer,” performing long calculations by hand before electronic computers were available. She and the Black women in her computing group were required to work separate from their white peers in an office labeled “Colored Computers.”

When talking about the adversity she faced, Johnson said, “We needed to be assertive as women in those days – assertive and aggressive – and the degree to which we had to be that way depended on where you were. I had to be.”

Despite racial segregation laws, NASA missions wouldn’t fly without Johnson. In fact, John Glenn refused to fly unless Johnson herself verified the calculations for his orbit. Even today, her work continues to influence spaceflight. Before her death, Johnson worked on plans for future Mars missions.

Her Legacy

Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, but her legacy still lives on. Two NASA facilities have been named after her: the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility in Hampton, Virginia, and the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia. Following her death, a satellite named “Katherine” was launched in her honor, and this month, Northrop Grumman named their spacecraft “SS Katherine Johnson” after her.

Harvey Washington Banks

In 1961, Harvey Washington Banks graduated from George Washington University and the first Black person to receive a Ph.D. degree in astronomy. Before earning his doctorate, Banks earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Howard University. He went on to teach at Delaware State College and Howard University.

His Journey

Banks spent his career researching orbits, celestial mechanics, solar eclipse, and satellites. He focused on spectroscopy, which uses light to study celestial bodies, and geodesy, which is the study of Earth’s shape and orientation. His work in geodesy, in particular, has influenced today’s Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

His Legacy

Much of our understanding of the Earth’s orientation and GPS technology would not be possible without Harvey Washington Banks. He broke barriers for Black people looking to be involved in academia and demonstrated that his intellect was not defined by the color of his skin.

 

Robert Lawrence

Photo Credit: US Air Force

Robert Henry Lawrence Jr.

Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. was an Air Force Officer and made history as the first Black astronaut in June of 1967. His contributions to space exploration have inspired generations of Black men and women. While his career was brief, Lawrence earned both the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Outstanding Unit Citation.

His Journey

When he was 21 years old, Lawrence became a US Air Force pilot. He went on to earn the position of senior USAF pilot and flew test flights to study the gliding flight of spacecraft returning to Earth from orbit. He logged over 2,500 flight hours during his service. During this time in the Air Force, Lawrence also earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in physical chemistry.

Lawrence was chosen to be an astronaut in 1967 after the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He was selected to be a part of the Air Force’s Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL) program, an early concept of crewed space stations. However, Lawrence never got to go to space. He was killed in a plane crash later that year, at only 32 years old.

His Legacy

While Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. never got to go to space himself, he paved the way for other Black people to do so. His selection as an astronaut made history, and he inspired others to follow in his lead and accomplish their dreams. He didn’t let the adversity he faced hold him back. He was determined to reach new heights, and along the way, he inspired generations to come.

 

Guion Bluford

Photo Credit: NASA

Guion Bluford

Guion Bluford made history in 1983 as the first Black person to go to space as part of the STS-8 mission. During this mission, he also became the second person of African ancestry to fly in space, the first being cosmonaut Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez.

His Journey

Before his NASA career, Bluford was a member of the United States Air Force and has logged over 5,000 hours of jet flight time. He received his pilot wings in 1966 and trained as a fighter pilot. In the Vietnam War, he flew over 125 combat missions. Bluford went on to graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1978 with a doctorate in aerospace engineering.

Bluford was a part of NASA astronaut group 8. He flew as a Mission Specialist on four space missions: STS-8, STS-61-A, STS-39, and STS-53. The missions STS-8 and STS-61-A each made history, respectively. STS-8 was the first mission to launch and land at night, and STS-61-A was the first mission to carry eight crew members, the largest crew to have flown in space at the time.

In total, Bluford spent 28 days, 16 hours, and 33 minutes in space. During this time, he conducted dozens of tests and experiments, including researching the physiological effects of space flight and collecting data on Earth’s aurora. He also helped deploy the Global Low Orbiting Message Relay Satellite and operate the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System.

His Legacy

Guion Bluford broke down barriers for Black people dreaming of being involved with space exploration. He paved the way for Black men and women to reach for their stars and accomplish their goals. When talking about his history-making mission, he said, “I wanted to set the standard, do the best job possible so that other people would be comfortable with African-Americans flying in space and African-Americans would be proud of being participants in the space program and… encourage others to do the same.” Rest assured, he did just that!

 

Dr. Mae Jemison

Photo Credit: NASA

Mae C Jemison

In 1992, Mae C. Jemison made history as the first Black woman to fly in space. She was a part of the mission STS-47, where she served as Mission Specialist 4 and Science Mission Specialist. Jemison spent eight days in space, where she conducted numerous experiments, most notably researching bone cells.

Her Journey

Jemison knew she wanted to go to space at a young age. NASA’s Apollo-era fueled her passion. As she watched the Apollo missions unfold from home, she was frustrated by the lack of female astronauts. This irritation drove her to want to make her mark on history and become an astronaut herself.

In 1977, Jemison graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering and African and African-American studies. She then enrolled in Cornell Medical School, where she worked for the Flying Doctors before graduating with her M.D. degree in 1981. She worked as a medical officer for the Peace Corps and conducted research with the Centers for Disease Control before applying to be an astronaut.

Her Legacy

While Jemison only flew on one space mission, her advocacy to promote STEM education has never ended. She founded The Jemison Group, Inc., which investigates the socio-cultural impact of technological advancements, and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, which creates educational programs. One program is The Earth We Share, a science camp for students to improve science education and problem-solving skills.

Today, Jemison is a member of the Association of Space Explorers, the American Medical Association, and the American Chemical Society. She continues to be an active public speaker, sharing her story and inspiring others to reach for their stars.

 

Bernard Harris

Photo Credit: NASA

Bernard A. Harris

Bernard A. Harris is a former NASA astronaut who made history as the first Black person to perform a spacewalk. His dream of becoming an astronaut began in 1969 when he watched the Apollo 11 astronauts land on the Moon for the first time. Over twenty years later, in 1990, that dream came true when NASA selected him to become an astronaut.

His Journey

Harris first flew as a Mission Specialist on STS-55 in August of 1991. For ten days, he conducted experiments aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Four years later, in 1995, Harris was a part of STS-63 as a Payload Commander. STS-63 was the first flight of the joint Russian-American space program. It was during this mission that Harris became the first Black person to perform a spacewalk. He did so alongside Michael Foale, the first British-born spacewalker.

Harris also worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as a clinical scientist and flight surgeon. He graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in 1982 with his M.D. degree. During this time, he studied how the human body adapts to outer space.

His Legacy

In 1998, Harris founded The Harris Foundation, which offers support to programs dedicated to supporting the health and education of minority groups and empowering young people to follow their dream. Harris is currently the CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative, a nonprofit organization that promotes accessible STEM education.

 

Stephanie Wilson

Photo Credit: NASA

Stephanie Wilson

Stephanie Wilson is an aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut. She was the second Black woman to go to space and has spent the longest in space of any Black female astronaut, logging over 42 days in space. She has flown on three missions: STS-121, STS-120, STS-131.

Her Journey

Before going to space, Wilson worked in the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch and as a communicator for on-orbit crews in Mission Control. In the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch, she worked on Space Station displays and procedures and Space Shuttle engines, tanks, and boosters.

On her first mission, STS-121, Wilson helped transfer over 20,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. She also developed increased safety procedures for space shuttle operations, produced high-resolution images of the Shuttle, and assisted in robotic arm operations.

A year later, Wilson helped deliver Harmony, a utility hub, to the International Space Station as part of STS-120. This mission also brought a new crew member to the ISS for Expedition 16 and brought a member of Expedition 15 and a member of Expedition 16 home.

On her final mission, Wilson was responsible for space station robotics. She operated the space station’s robotic arm to both remove and reinstall the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. STS-131 was also the first time four women were in space at the same time.

In 2020, it was announced that Stephanie Wilson was a part of NASA’s new Artemis Team. This group is composed of 18 individuals headed back to the Moon. Wilson is one of nine women on the team, one of which will be the first woman to step foot on the Moon. Also a part of this group are Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, who completed the first all-female spacewalk together in 2019. Wilson was a ground controller for this spacewalk.

Her Legacy

Stephanie Wilson continues to break barriers. As the second Black woman to go to space, she has led the way for other Black women to follow in her footsteps and reach new heights. On the Artemis Team, she will continue to do so, and we look forward to seeing what she will accomplish!

 

Charles Bolden

Photo Credit: Credits: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Charles Bolden

Charles Bolden made history in 2009 as the first Black person to serve as NASA administrator on a permanent basis. Before becoming an administrator, Bolden was a NASA astronaut and member of the United States Marine Corps.

His Journey

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1968, Bolden earned the position of Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1970. He flew in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Thunder and throughout his service, accumulated over 6,000 hours of flight time.

Bolden was selected to become an astronaut in 1981 as part of NASA Astronaut Group 9. He flew on four space missions: STS-61-C, STS-31, STS-45, and STS-60. On STS-61-C and STS-31, he served as the mission pilot, and on STS-45 and STS-60, he was the mission commander. While completing these missions, Bolden became the first person to ride the Launch Complex 39 slide wire baskets, which were used as an escape from the Space Shuttle. Also on these missions, Bolden and his other crew members helped deploy the SATCOM Ku band satellite and the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as conduct various tests and experiments.

Bolden was appointed to be the administrator of NASA in 2009 by then-President Barack Obama. His goals were to promote STEM education, empower young people to get involved with space exploration, and expand international relationships, specifically with the Muslim world. He also focused on developing missions to Mars, and in 2012, he became the first human to have his voice broadcast on the Red Planet.

His Legacy

Charles Bolden’s time as NASA administrator left a lasting impact on NASA. Today, we are still going after Mars. This month, NASA’s Perseverance rover will touch down on the Red Planet and hopefully one day soon, humans will touch down as well. His service as administrator also was historic for Black people looking to be involved in space exploration, and he opened new doors for anyone dreaming of doing so.

 

Victor Glover

Photo Credit: NASA

Victor J Glover

Last year, Victor J Glover made history when he became the first Black crew member of an ISS Expedition to live on the International Space Station long term. On November 15, 2020, Glover flew onboard the first operational flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. This was his first mission, and he is currently living on the ISS as a station systems flight engineer for Expeditions 64 and 65. He is one of only 14 Black Americans who have gone to space.

His Journey

Before becoming an astronaut, Glover served time in the United States Navy., earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He joined in 2001, and, in 2007, he was designated as a test pilot. As a Naval Aviator, he has been deployed throughout the United States and Japan. He has logged over 3,000 hours of flight time and served in 24 combat missions.

Glover holds three Master of Science degrees: Masters of Flight Test Engineering from Air University, Masters of Systems Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School, and Masters of Military Operational Art and Sciences from Air University. He also earned certificates in Space Systems and Legislative studies.

His Legacy

Victor J Glover’s legacy has only just begun. As private and commercial spaceflight become more popular, we will look back to the first operational flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and celebrate Glover and the other astronauts’ historical accomplishments. He is also breaking limits each day he spends onboard the ISS. Glover is an inspiration for the new wave of aspiring astronauts, and he’ll continue to accomplish great things on future missions.

Everlasting Legacy

The accomplishments of these Black engineers, scientists, astronauts, and mathematicians have broken barriers so that new generations of Black men and women can too follow their dreams. They are leaders in their fields and are role models for young people wanting to get involved in STEM. Their stories of perseverance and success are inspiring, and their legacy should never be forgotten.

If you want to learn more about space and STEM pioneers, follow The Mars Generation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and sign up for our email list.

The post 10 Black Americans Who Made Extraordinary Contributions to Space Exploration appeared first on The Mars Generation®.

]]>
https://themarsgeneration.org/10-black-americans-who-made-extraordinary-contributions-to-space-exploration/feed/ 2