The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, better known by its acronym in English as POT, is a United States government agency in charge of policy and carrying out research programs in outer space and the Earth’s atmosphere. Founded on July 29, 1958, by President Dwight Eisenhower, NASA was created in response to the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union, marking the beginning of the space race between these two superpowers during the Cold War.
Since its creation, NASA has pioneered numerous aerospace programs, including the famous Apollo program culminating in the landing of the first humans on the Moon in 1969. This milestone not only represented an unprecedented technological achievement but was also a defining moment in the history of human exploration.
Beyond manned exploration, NASA has launched a series of unmanned missions to study other planets in the solar system, such as the Voyager probes to explore the outer planets, and the Curiosity Rover, which studies the geology of Mars. Likewise, it has developed and launched space telescopes such as Hubble, which has provided unprecedented images of the universe and has contributed significantly to the advancement of astronomy.
In recent decades, NASA has promoted international collaboration through projects such as the International Space Station (ISS), a space-based research laboratory operated jointly by several nations. This collective effort has allowed us to develop space technology, carry out scientific experiments in microgravity and promote international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of space.
Nowadays, with the advancement of technology and the growing interest in space explorationNASA continues to lead innovative missions with the goal of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, investigating deep space, and seeking answers to the big questions about the universe and our place in it.
Katya Echazarretafrom Guadalajara Jalisco, has marked a milestone by becoming the first female astronaut born in Mexico to collaborate with NASA. Since her childhood, Echazarreta expressed a deep interest in the universe, which motivated her to move to USA with his family at a young age. With the aim of reaching the stars, he decided to study electric engineeringspecializing in the design and construction of spacecraft.
Echazarreta’s career is a testimony of dedication and passion for space exploration. Her aspiration to work with NASA and her determination led her to overcome numerous challenges, thus becoming a source of inspiration for many.
His electrical engineering education provided him with the skills necessary to contribute significantly to the field of astronautics. His transition from Mexico to the United States, and his subsequent academic and professional evolution, underscore his firm commitment to his childhood dream.
The story of Echazarreta stands out not only for his personal journey of growth and achievement, but also for the impact he has on promoting diversity within the space industry. In a sector historically dominated by homogeneous profiles, its presence is a call for inclusion and representation of minorities.
To aspire to work at NASA as a Mexican, it is essential to focus on fields of study related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
- Aerospace engineering: It focuses on the design, development and testing of vehicles and aerospace systems. This career provides a solid foundation to participate in space exploration projects and the development of satellites or spacecraft.
- Astronomy and Astrophysics: Study the celestial bodies and the phenomena of the universe. It is essential for space research and for the analysis of data collected by telescopes and space missions.
- Mechanical Engineering: It offers knowledge about the design and manufacturing of mechanical equipment, which is key to the development of technology used in space.
- Physical: It provides a fundamental understanding of the laws that govern the universe, essential for the research and development of new space technologies.
- Systems or Electrical Engineering: It focuses on the development of electronic systems and software, crucial for mission control, communications and operations of ships and satellites.
- Biology: For research projects related to life in microgravity conditions and the study of possible extraterrestrial life forms.
It is important to complement academic training with programming skills, use of advanced technological tools and knowledge of English, since it is the official language of communication at NASA. In addition, carrying out professional internships in institutions or projects related to space can be an important differentiator.
It is also advisable to be attentive to international collaboration programs or scholarships offered by NASA to foreign students and professionals, as well as seeking research or postgraduate stays in recognized institutions in relevant fields to increase the opportunities of being chosen to work in this prestigious agency.
