Alyssa Carson: The 24-Year-Old Preparing to Be the First Human on Mars
Alyssa Carson, 24, has dedicated her entire life to one ambitious goal: becoming the first human to set foot on Mars. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Carson’s fascination with space began at the tender age of three, inspired by an episode of The Backyardigans where the characters embarked on an imaginary Mars mission. From that moment, she was determined to make the Red Planet her reality.
By the age of six, Carson was memorising Martian maps in preparation for future missions. At seven, she attended her first NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and has since become the only individual to complete all three NASA Space Camps worldwide, in the US, Canada, and Turkey. Her early dedication also included public speaking on space exploration, with TEDx talks by age 13 and participation in NASA-hosted Mars conferences as a young teenager.
Rigorous Training for a One-Way Mission
At 15, Carson entered the Advanced PoSSUM Academy, becoming the youngest trainee ever certified for research astronaut work. That same year, she earned her pilot’s license. Currently pursuing a PhD in Astrobiology, she is undergoing intensive simulations and survival training to prepare for a potential six-month one-way trip to Mars—a journey she believes could eventually be shortened to six weeks with technological advancements.
Carson emphasises that no robotic exploration can replace the wealth of information humans could gather on Mars. Her training and early preparation are geared toward ensuring she is fully ready to seize the historic opportunity once the human Mars mission, scheduled for 2033, is launched.
A Lifelong Commitment to Space
Carson’s story is one of extraordinary dedication and foresight. From memorising Martian geography as a child to speaking at international space forums and training for survival in extraterrestrial conditions, she represents the next generation of astronauts ready to push the boundaries of human exploration. Her journey serves as inspiration for young girls and aspiring scientists worldwide, demonstrating that early passion, coupled with relentless preparation, can turn childhood dreams into historic achievements.
Her NASA callsign, ‘NASA Blueberry,’ is now synonymous with ambition, perseverance, and the dream of stepping onto the surface of another planet—an achievement that could redefine humanity’s place in the universe.