First person on Mars

 Meet the 24-Year-Old Woman Who Spent Her Life Preparing to Be the First Human on Mars

By Rahul

4 July 2025

## **Introduction**  

In the race to colonize Mars, one name stands out—Alyssa Carson, a 24-year-old woman who has dedicated her entire life to becoming the first human to step foot on the Red Planet. From childhood dreams to rigorous astronaut training, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Could she be the one to make history?  

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## **A Childhood Dream Turned Mission**  

Alyssa Carson’s fascination with Mars began at the tender age of three after watching an episode of *The Backyardigans* where characters embarked on a mission to the Red Planet. Unlike most kids who outgrow their space fantasies, Alyssa’s passion only intensified. By age seven, she was attending space camps, and by her teens, she had already participated in multiple NASA programs.  

Her father, Bert Carson, supported her ambitions wholeheartedly, ensuring she had every opportunity to pursue her dream. Alyssa became the youngest person to graduate from the Advanced Space Academy and the only individual to attend all three NASA space camps in the U.S., Canada, and Turkey.  

## **Rigorous Training and Education**  

To prepare for a Mars mission, Alyssa has undergone intense physical and mental training. She holds certifications in advanced scuba diving, piloting, and survival skills—essential for an astronaut facing the unknown challenges of space travel.  

Academically, she pursued astrobiology at the Florida Institute of Technology, studying the potential for life on other planets. She is fluent in multiple languages, including Chinese, French, and Spanish, which could prove crucial in international space collaborations.  

## **The Challenges of a Mars Mission**  

Traveling to Mars is no small feat. The journey alone takes about seven months, with astronauts facing extreme isolation, radiation exposure, and muscle atrophy due to zero gravity. Once on Mars, they must contend with a thin, unbreathable atmosphere, freezing temperatures, and dust storms that can last months.  

Alyssa understands these risks but remains undeterred. In interviews, she emphasizes the importance of advancing human knowledge and inspiring future generations. "Someone has to be the first," she says. "Why not me?"  

## **NASA and SpaceX: The Road to Mars**  

NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2026 as a stepping stone for Mars. Meanwhile, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is developing the Starship spacecraft with the explicit goal of colonizing Mars. Alyssa has worked closely with both organizations, positioning herself as a prime candidate for the first crewed mission.  

While NASA’s timeline for a Mars landing is set for the 2030s, SpaceX has more aggressive plans, potentially sending humans within the next decade. If successful, Alyssa could make history before she turns 35.  

## **Inspiring the Next Generation**  

Beyond her personal ambitions, Alyssa is a passionate advocate for STEM education, especially for young girls. She founded the *Blueberry Foundation* (her call sign at space camp was "Blueberry") to encourage kids to pursue careers in science and space exploration.  

Her message is clear: *Dream big, work hard, and never let age or gender limit your potential.* With over 500,000 Instagram followers, she continues to inspire millions worldwide.  

## **Could Alyssa Carson Really Be the First on Mars?**  

While nothing is guaranteed in space exploration, Alyssa’s lifelong dedication, training, and partnerships with leading space agencies make her a strong contender. If selected, she would not only be the first woman on Mars but also the youngest astronaut to embark on an interplanetary mission.  

## **Conclusion**  

Alyssa Carson’s story is a testament to human determination. From a three-year-old dreaming of Mars to a 24-year-old on the brink of making history, her journey proves that with passion and perseverance, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.  

As humanity inches closer to becoming a multi-planetary species, Alyssa stands ready—poised to take that historic first step on Martian soil. Will she be the one? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: her story is far from over.  

### **Follow Alyssa’s Journey**  

Want to stay updated on Alyssa Carson’s mission to Mars? Follow her on Instagram (@nasablueberry) and visit her foundation’s website to support the next generation of space explorers!  

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