Space for Humanity
On June 4th 2022 Katya Echazarreta took off to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket for the NS-21 mission becoming the first Citizen Astronaut of the Space for Humanity program and also the first ambassador of the Overview Effect. This marked the fifth human spaceflight and the 21st flight for the New Shepherd program. The astronaut crew included Evan Dick, Hamish Harding, Victor Correa Hespania, Jaison Robinson, Victor Vescovo and Katya Echazarreta.
Coined by the famous American author, Frank White, the Overview Effect is the shift in perspective that astronauts often experience when they view earth from space. It is this shift that tends to make them better stewards of Earth. It is on this principle that forms the Citizen Astronaut Program (CAP) by Space for Humanity, which targets leaders from diverse backgrounds who are able to give back to the community by becoming ambassadors of the Overview Effect. To learn more about the program visit
https://spaceforhumanity.org/apply
Katya has a Masters in Engineering from John Hopkins University and an advocate for STEM with her target being to inspire young girls and women. She has been a space enthusiast all her life. This inspiration is captured in her letter as she prepares for lift off.
Katya’s letter: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/717068443
As I watched her go to space, I could not help but contemplate seeing myself in the same position in the near future and on my way to earning my astronaut wings. Much as Katya’s flight was successful, when space for humanity announced their first citizen astronaut, I simply went into panic mode. Not because I did not admire Katya’s success or wish her well but because I knew that I had been shortlisted for the same Citizen Astronaut Program (CAP) by Space for Humanity. And having experienced several failures, misfortunes and bad lucks in my life, I simply became fearful that this too could end up in my long list of missed opportunities. I can only hope and pray that with time, my name moves up the list and I too can finally experience my Overview Effect.
Yet, in the midst of all the excitement, I had to find a way to enjoy the moment because after all, there are organizational dynamics and information not at my disposal. For example, in one of the latest newsletters prior to Katya’s call, Space for Humanity had announced that they had come up with a final list of eight, who were to be unveiled at a later date around summer. With this in mind, I had to convince myself that it was not yet summer. There was also word that the eight would be a team and therefore much as Katya is the first Citizen Astronaut under the program, it would be nice to see her flight as a demo mission with Space for Humanity.
But my take in all this is embodied in the creation of a Just, Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive (JEDI) space for all humanity. And when it comes to inclusivity, the one question I ask myself is; “When will these space companies ever consider reaching out to the marginalized or developing communities and help them enjoy the same experience? Or will these countries have to wait for the day they will develop their own systems no matter how long it takes them?”
Today, thanks to Space for Humanity, we have the first astronaut representing Mexico. I can only wait and hope that the next astronaut will be an African and that person will probably be me and that same as Katya, I can finally say that my dream of going to space and becoming an astronaut has finally come true.
An Artwork & Space Patch for Katya
What joy it will be to lift my country’s flag high and into space because after all, humans were born on earth but were never meant to die here. We are naturally explorers and space is the next frontier. This is the message I would send home.
Thanks to Katya, it is now only a matter of time when Space for Humanity will have me join the team of fellow citizen astronauts and ambassadors of the Overview Effect.
The doors to space are open and therefore no matter where you are or who you might be, your dreams are valid, if only you believe.
It is all about creating a just equitable diverse and inclusive space for all humanity.
To space, for Earth.
Ad astra per astera.
