This report highlights 10 fascinating facts about Alyssa Carson that every girl should know, showcasing her achievements, challenges, and contributions to the world of space exploration and STEM advocacy.
Alyssa Carson, known as “NASABlueberry,” is a remarkable young woman whose passion for space exploration has inspired countless individuals, particularly girls, to pursue their dreams in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Born on March 10, 2001, in Hammond, Louisiana, Alyssa has dedicated her life to her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and potentially the first human to set foot on Mars. Her journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of dreaming big.
1. Dreamed of Mars Since Age Three
Alyssa Carson, known as @nasablueberry on Instagram, is a trailblazing figure in space exploration and STEM advocacy. Her journey to become one of the first humans to set foot on Mars is documented through her vibrant social media presence, where she shares her training, travels, and passion for science. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram, Alyssa inspires countless individuals, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams in science and exploration.
She told her father, Bert Carson, “Daddy, I want to be an astronaut, and be one of the people that go to Mars.” This seemingly whimsical statement became the foundation of her lifelong ambition. Her early determination serves as an inspiration for young girls to pursue their dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem, from a young age. Alyssa’s story shows that even the grandest goals can start as a spark in childhood.
1. Certified Aquanaut
Alyssa Carson has completed aquanaut training, a critical step in preparing for the extreme conditions of space. Her Instagram posts highlight her underwater training, which simulates microgravity environments similar to those astronauts experience in space. She has shared moments from her dives, showcasing her skills in underwater habitats like the Aquarius Reef Base. This achievement inspires girls to embrace challenging training programs that push physical and mental boundaries, preparing them for careers in high-stakes fields like astronautics.
In 2013, at the age of 12, Alyssa became the first person to complete the NASA Passport Program, visiting all 14 NASA visitor centers across nine states in the United States. This achievement earned her an invitation to speak as a panelist at the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) 10 Panel at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Her dedication to exploring every facet of NASA’s public offerings highlights her commitment to learning and engaging with space exploration, encouraging girls to seek out opportunities to immerse themselves in their passions.
2. Collaborations with Space Organizations
Through her Instagram, Alyssa frequently showcases partnerships with space-related organizations, such as SolarStratos, a project aimed at sustainable aviation. In 2023, she visited Switzerland to explore their solar-powered aircraft, sharing her experience with her followers to promote a greener future in aerospace. These collaborations demonstrate her influence in the space community and encourage girls to seek partnerships that align with their goals, amplifying their impact in STEM.
Alyssa is the only person in the world to have attended every NASA space camp offered, including those in Huntsville, Alabama, Turkey, and Canada. She began attending space camps at age seven and completed seven Space Camps, three Space Academies, one Robotics Academy, one Advanced Space Academy, and one Aviation Challenge. Her nickname, “Blueberry,” was given to her as a call sign during one of these camps. This extraordinary record demonstrates the value of persistence and hands-on learning, inspiring girls to actively participate in programs that fuel their interests.
3. Passion for Science Communication
Alyssa uses her Instagram platform to make complex scientific concepts accessible. Posts about astrobiology, space missions, and her research on microbes engage her audience in an approachable way. For example, she has shared insights from her work as an IIAS (International Institute for Astronautical Sciences) science researcher, explaining the relevance of her studies to Mars exploration. Her ability to communicate science inspires girls to develop storytelling skills to share their passions with the world.
At just 15 years old, Alyssa became the youngest person to be selected for and graduate from the Advanced PoSSUM (Project Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) Space Academy in 2016. This citizen science astronautics program, offered by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, certified her as an astronaut trainee. Her achievement underscores the importance of seizing opportunities early and excelling in rigorous academic and training programs, serving as a model for young women in STEM.
4. Global Traveler for Space Advocacy
Alyssa’s Instagram feed is filled with posts from her travels to 26 countries, including speaking engagements and space-related events. From attending space camps in Turkey to giving talks in Greece, her global presence highlights her role as an ambassador for space exploration. A notable post from her account shows her visiting the European Space Agency, underscoring her international influence. This encourages girls to embrace global opportunities and advocate for their dreams on a world stage.
Alyssa speaks four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin. Her linguistic skills have supported her international engagements, including attending space camps in Turkey and Canada, giving a TEDx talk in Greece, and meeting with the Mars One team in the Netherlands. She has traveled to 26 countries, fostering global connections and advocating for space exploration. Her multilingual abilities and global perspective encourage girls to embrace diversity and build international networks to advance their careers.
5. Role Model for Resilience
Alyssa’s Instagram stories often reflect the challenges she faces, such as rigorous training schedules and balancing academics with her ambitions. She shares moments of overcoming setbacks, like intense physical training or long study hours, with positivity. Her transparency about the hard work behind her achievements teaches girls that resilience is key to success in demanding fields like space exploration, motivating them to persevere through obstacles.
6. Advocate for Sustainable Space Exploration
Through her Instagram, Alyssa promotes sustainable practices in space exploration. Her posts about SolarStratos and other eco-friendly initiatives emphasize the importance of environmental consciousness in aerospace. For instance, she shared her experience with SolarStratos’ mission to reach the stratosphere using solar power, connecting it to her vision for sustainable Mars missions. This inspires girls to consider how their careers can contribute to a sustainable future, blending science with environmental responsibility.
7. Mentor to Young Aspiring Astronauts
Alyssa frequently uses Instagram to engage with young followers, offering advice and encouragement. She has posted about mentoring girls through programs like Frito-Lay’s Back to School Blast Off, which provides Space Camp scholarships. Her stories include Q&A sessions where she answers questions about becoming an astronaut, empowering girls to seek guidance and mentorship to navigate their paths in STEM.
At the age of 18, Alyssa obtained her pilot’s license, adding to her impressive resume of space-related training. Her training includes water safety, G-force practice, microgravity flights, diving certification, and decompression training. These accomplishments highlight her dedication to preparing for the physical and technical demands of space exploration. For girls, Alyssa’s journey illustrates the importance of acquiring diverse skills and certifications to stand out in competitive fields.
8. Microgravity Training Experience
Alyssa’s Instagram highlights her microgravity training, including zero-gravity flights that simulate weightlessness. She has shared videos of herself floating during these flights, describing the experience as preparation for space missions. This hands-on training showcases her commitment to mastering the skills needed for space travel, encouraging girls to pursue experiential learning opportunities that bring them closer to their goals.
Alyssa graduated from Baton Rouge International School in 2019 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in astrobiology from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2023. She is currently pursuing an advanced degree in biology at the University of Arkansas, where she also assists in teaching a class about microbes. Her focus on astrobiology, the study of life in the universe, aligns with her goal of conducting research on Mars. Her academic achievements encourage girls to pursue higher education in STEM and specialize in fields that align with their passions.
9. Inspiring Through Visual Storytelling
Alyssa’s Instagram is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with carefully curated posts that blend stunning visuals with educational content. Whether sharing a photo from a space camp or a video explaining astrobiology, her content is engaging and informative. Her ability to captivate her audience visually inspires girls to use creative platforms like social media to share their passions and build a community around their interests.
Alyssa is a passionate advocate for increasing female participation in STEM fields. She has worked with initiatives like Frito-Lay’s Back to School Blast Off Program, which provides scholarships for girls to attend Space Camp and includes mentorship opportunities with Alyssa and other women in STEM. She emphasizes the importance of communication, networking, and being vocal about one’s dreams to create opportunities. Her advocacy inspires girls to break barriers in male-dominated fields and seek mentorship to achieve their goals.
Under the handle “NASABlueberry,” Alyssa has built a significant social media presence, with thousands of followers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Her viral content educates the public about space exploration and promotes diversity in the industry. She is also an accomplished public speaker, having given a TEDx talk, appeared on the Steve Harvey show, and been featured in the 2017 documentary The Mars Generation. Her ability to communicate her passion inspires girls to use their voices to advocate for their dreams and influence others positively.
10. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Alyssa’s Instagram reflects her dedication to continuous education. Posts about her studies at the University of Arkansas, where she is pursuing an advanced degree in biology, and her teaching assistant role for a microbiology class show her love for learning. She often shares study tips and insights from her academic journey, motivating girls to prioritize education and embrace lifelong learning as a cornerstone of success in STEM.
You Learn
- Alyssa Carson’s Instagram (@nasablueberry) is more than a social media profile—it’s a window into her extraordinary journey toward Mars and her mission to inspire the next generation.
- From her aquanaut training to her advocacy for sustainability and mentorship, Alyssa’s story is a powerful call to action for girls everywhere. Her resilience, global engagement, and ability to communicate science make her a role model for aspiring scientists and explorers.
- By following her example, girls can learn to embrace challenges, seek diverse experiences, and use their voices to shape the future of STEM and space exploration. Alyssa’s journey proves that with passion and perseverance, no dream is too big—not even walking on Mars.
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