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 career

• Pilot licenses, scuba, and other training- what helps and what’s just hype

• Astrobiology 101: icy moons, methane seas, and the search for microbial life

• Why funding the Moon/Mars push pays off on Earth (food, radiation shielding, tech)

• Artemis updates and realistic odds for a crewed Mars mission

• Space jobs beyond “astronaut” (and why teams beat heroes)

• Women who paved Alyssa’s way, and the power of a great dad & support system

• Practical advice for big, “impossible” goals at any age

Alyssa's Book: Ready for Liftoff

Watch next: Franchesca Ramsey

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