Ismail El Omari discusses space architecture, analog astronaut missions, AstroKids Space Camp, and building Morocco’s future in space.

For the 50th aspiring Martian feature, Joe Sweeney sits down with Hanna Harutyunyan who is widely recognized as Armenia’s first analog astronaut. Together they discuss isolation, stress, kindness in confined crews, Armenia’s growing role in space, and what it really means to prepare humanity for Mars.

Arshleen Kaur Sahni, founder of Arkasa, speaks about designing human-centered habitats for the Moon and Mars, the psychology of living in extreme environments, and why future space habitats must feel like homes, not just survival shelters.

A conversation with Cassandra Klos on documenting Mars simulations and capturing the human side of space exploration through her photography.

Isaac Gathu is building Mars Society Kenya and shaping Africa’s role in space exploration through analog missions, culture, and bold ambition.

As Artemis II launches humanity back beyond low Earth orbit, we speak with NASA astronaut candidate Ben Bailey about the mission, the future of space exploration, and the path to Mars.

Alyssa Carson shares her journey from childhood dreamer to astrobiology PhD, revealing what it really takes to pursue a future on Mars and become part of the next generation of space explorers.

Citizen scientist and astronaut candidate Benedetta Facini joins Aspiring Martians to discuss asteroid hunting, NASA citizen science projects, science communication, and the growing role of everyday people in space exploration.

Engineer, EMT, and analog astronaut Shriya Musuku shares her journey toward Mars and the resilience required to prepare humans for space exploration.

Thendral Kamal shares how engineering, community, and persistence are shaping her path toward becoming the first Indian woman to set foot on Mars.

Lina Borozdina joins Aspiring Martians for a powerful conversation about spaceflight, resilience, and representation.

Aerospace Engineering Professor Dr. Kshitij Mall joins Aspiring Martians to discuss advanced propulsion research, Mission ShakthiSAT, and how low-cost lunar architectures can open space exploration to students, universities, and emerging space nations.

Dr. Adriana Marais — theoretical physicist, astrobiologist, and leader of Africa’s first mission to the lunar south pole — joins Aspiring Martians to discuss off-world living, quantum biology, the origins of life, and how extreme places on Earth are preparing us for the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Keisha Schahaff, the first Caribbean woman in space and one half of the first mother-daughter astronaut duo, shares how her Virgin Galactic spaceflight transformed her life, deepened her connection to Earth, and strengthened her dream of one day living on Mars.

Dr. Shawna Pandya shares how curiosity, compassion, and courage guide her journey from emergency medicine to aquanaut missions to preparing for spaceflight.

Sahda Haroon is a space advocate and STEAM educator whose passion for representation and empowerment is lighting a path for future explorers.

At just 17 years old, Ilia-Daniel Gashinbaki — Nigeria’s youngest Space Ambassador and Executive Director of the Africa Space Foundation — is reshaping how Africa engages with the final frontier.

NASA’s CHAPEA 2 crew members Matthew Montgomery and James Spicer share what inspired them to sign up for a year-long Mars simulation and what it is that will keep them going.

Explorer Dianne McGrath—sailor, sustainability expert, and Mars One finalist—reveals how the Outback and the open ocean prepared her for the quiet vastness of space.

Biomedical engineer Alejandro Perez shares how curiosity, mentorship, and a dash of chaos led him from diesel tanks to designing agricultural robotics for the Red Planet.