When most three-year-olds dream of toys, cartoons, or fairy tales, Alyssa Carson, a Louisiana girl from the USA, dreamed of something else. She dreamed of traveling to Mars. Yes, the red planet is billions of kilometers from our Earth. Today, at only 24 years old, Alyssa is one of the world’s most renowned young women for attempting to be the first human on Mars.
Childhood Dream
Alyssa’s journey began when she was just three years old. She was viewing a cartoon show known as The Backyardigans, in which the characters took an imaginary tour to Mars. That episode reached her heart. After that, she continued repeating to her father, “I want to go to Mars.“
As other children played with dolls or video games, Alyssa lined her room with posters of space, rockets, and books on planets. Her dad, Bert Carson, saw how much she loved them and determined to support her regardless.
Education and Training
In order to pursue such a gigantic dream, Alyssa diligently pursued her education. She attended the Baton Rouge International School, where she learned to speak four languages—English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Learning at least four languages is important for an astronauts because there are usually individuals from diverse countries
After that, Alyssa joined the Florida Institute of Technology and received a degree in astrobiology—the study of life in space. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biology at the University of Arkansas, where she also instructs undergraduate students.
But Alyssa’s education extends way beyond classrooms. She participated in numerous space camps and is the sole individual to have attended all NASA Space Camps organized in various nations. She went on to complete the NASA Passport Program as well.
When Alyssa was 15 years old, she graduated from the Advanced PoSSUM Academy, which teaches individuals astronaut-like conditions. She has undergone scuba diving training, microgravity flights, water survival, g-force simulation, and decompression chambers. In essence, she is conditioning her body and mind for the harsh demands of space.
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The Mission to Mars
NASA and other space centers have plans to send humans to Mars by the year 2033. If that is realized, Alyssa wants to be part of the astronauts. At that time, she will be in her early 30s—the ideal age to withstand the physical and psychological stress of space travel.
Alyssa understands that this trip is not just a recreational journey. It may take seven months to travel to Mars. There will be isolation, risk, and the chance that they might not return to Earth at all. Alyssa has candidly declared that she will take this risk because she feels venturing into new worlds is well worth it.
Her aim is not just to go to Mars but to assist in establishing the first colony there. She would like to be part of history that makes Mars a second home for humankind.
Also Read: NASA Unveils Skyfall: Six Helicopters to Scout Mars for Future Missions
Struggles and Challenges
Behind the glitz of her tale, Alyssa encountered numerous difficulties. She had to juggle school, friends, and a strange training schedule when she was in high school. While other children were going to parties, she was in astronaut training facilities.
Doubters on social media argue, she hasn’t even became an astronaut yet. Alyssa knows there is doubt like this, but she does not give up. Her dad is a big support in helping her not give up as well. He once made the point that, “If your child has a dream, support it, no matter how impossible it looks.”
Alyssa, an Inspiration for the World
Whether Alyssa is the first human on Mars or not, her narrative has already encouraged millions of individuals across worldwide. She has proved that age is not an issue if you have commitment and devoted toward your passion.
Alyssa regularly delivers motivational speeches in schools and other functions, inspiring young minds to pursue their aspirations in science and astronomy. Alyssa mentions that Mars is not her dream, but the human race’s dream.
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