Alyssa Carson

Alyssa Carson
NASA/Tom Tschida · Public domain · source
Name	Alyssa Carson
Birth date	March 10, 2001
Birth place	Hammond, Louisiana, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Space advocate; astronaut aspirant; public speaker
Known for	Mars advocacy; astronaut training programs

Alyssa Carson

Alyssa Carson is an American spaceflight aspirant, public speaker, and advocate for crewed missions to Mars who gained media attention for attending multiple commercial and governmental astronaut training programs. She has participated in educational outreach with institutions and organizations focused on space exploration and has appeared in documentary features, news programs, and public events promoting human missions to the Moon and Mars. Carson’s profile intersects with numerous aerospace organizations, private space companies, and educational initiatives that engage youth in STEM and space policy discussions.

Early life and education

Born in Hammond, Louisiana, Carson grew up in a family with ties to Louisiana communities and attended local schools before entering specialized flight and space programs. As a youth she engaged with extracurricular organizations including Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts of America (Explorer posts and aviation merit initiatives), and regional STEM outreach programs run by institutions such as NASA centers and university space departments. During secondary education she pursued accelerated coursework, flight instruction at local flight schools affiliated with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and participated in international exchange programs tied to space camps like those at University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Kennedy Space Center.

NASA and spaceflight training

Carson participated in numerous training experiences, visiting multiple NASA facilities including the Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, and the Marshall Space Flight Center for outreach events and educational sessions. She completed training modules offered by commercial and non-profit institutions such as Space Camp programs at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, suborbital flight preparation at private flight schools, and analog mission simulations run by organizations like Mars Society, HI-SEAS affiliated projects, and university-led analogs at institutions including University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Arizona State University. Carson has engaged with aerospace companies including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Sierra Nevada Corporation during public events, conferences at venues such as International Astronautical Congress and Space Symposium, and training experiences with programs promoted by organizations like NASA Astronaut Candidate Program-affiliated outreach events. She has also attended medical and survival training courses offered by civilian providers associated with spaceflight preparation through partnerships with agencies like European Space Agency-linked educators and training centers often referenced at symposiums hosted by American Astronautical Society and National Space Society.

Career and public outreach

Carson’s public outreach has included speaking engagements at conferences and events organized by entities such as United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Smithsonian Institution events, regional science festivals, and education initiatives partnered with museums like the Aerospace Museum networks and planetariums including Adler Planetarium and Griffith Observatory. She has worked with youth-focused organizations such as Girl Scouts of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and university outreach programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and University of Michigan to promote careers in aviation and astronautics. Carson has collaborated with nonprofit advocacy groups including Planetary Society, National Space Society, Explore Mars, and The Mars Society on panels, workshops, and mentorship programs designed for students interested in careers at companies like NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, SpaceX, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Blue Origin.

Media appearances and publications

Carson has been featured on television networks and digital platforms including segments on CNN, BBC, NBC News, Fox News, and documentary programming aired by National Geographic and Discovery Channel. She contributed commentary to podcasts and web series produced by outlets such as TEDx, Science Friday, The Joe Rogan Experience (guest appearances profiling space topics), and science communication channels associated with institutions like Smithsonian Magazine and Scientific American. Her interviews and profiles have appeared in publications including Forbes, Time, People (magazine), The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and niche aerospace journals such as SpaceNews and Aviation Week & Space Technology. Carson has delivered keynote talks at conferences organized by SXSW, Gartner, and industry events hosted by IEEE and AIAA.

Personal life and advocacy

Carson resides in the United States and maintains advocacy efforts through partnerships with educational nonprofits and private foundations supporting STEM scholarships, often working with entities like Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-aligned education programs, regional university scholarship funds, and local community organizations in Louisiana and neighboring states. She advocates for crewed exploration initiatives championed by policymakers in congressional space committees such as members connected to United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearings and supports international cooperation frameworks involving Artemis program partners including European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and Australian Space Agency in public discussions. Carson’s activities intersect with youth mentorship networks and charitable organizations focused on aviation and space careers including college preparatory programs at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory-affiliated university consortia and nonprofit incubators linked to National Science Foundation grants.

Category:American space advocates