Alyssa Carson: The Mars Generation, Astrobiology, Artemis, and Women in Space

Alyssa Carson, astrobiologist, PhD student, and aspiring astronaut, joins Kat Calvin to talk about the real path to space and why Mars is more than a dream. Alyssa breaks down astrobiology “like you’re five,” shares what astronaut selection actually looks like (hint: astronaut is a destination, not a job), and explains how Moon and Mars missions fuel everyday innovations on Earth. They also dig into Artemis timelines, the boom in private space, and dozens of non-astronaut careers in space, from psychology and human factors to food science and habitat design.You’ll hear:How a kid’s fascination with Mars became a serious scientific careerPilot licenses, scuba, and other training- what helps and what’s just hypeAstrobiology 101: icy moons, methane seas, and the search for microbial lifeWhy funding the Moon/Mars push pays off on Earth (food, radiation shielding, tech)Artemis updates and realistic odds for a crewed Mars missionSpace jobs beyond “astronaut” (and why teams beat heroes)Women who paved Alyssa’s way, and the power of a great dad & support systemPractical advice for big, “impossible” goals at any ageAlyssa's Book: Ready for Liftoff Watch next: Franchesca Ramsey If this episode inspired you, please like, share, and subscribe. And remember, everything you are is more than enough.Questions? Want to tell your story? ⁠[email protected]