NASA Geologist and Astronaut Hopeful Lauren Edgar Dreams of Setting Foot on Mars After Nearly 20 Years of Rover Operations
Exciting New Horizons: Lauren Edgar’s Journey from Geologist to NASA Astronaut Candidate
Lauren Edgar, an experienced geologist with a nearly two-decade career at NASA, is setting her sights on a new endeavor: becoming an astronaut. Edgar, renowned for her involvement with lunar and Martian missions, has been selected as one of the 10 candidates for NASA’s 2025 astronaut class. The announcement, made at Johnson Space Center in Houston, highlights a diverse cohort of pilots, engineers, doctors, and scientists ready to embark on future space missions.
Connecting Earth and Space: Edgar’s Surprising Selection
For Edgar, being chosen as an ASCAN (NASA astronaut candidate) was an unexpected but thrilling development. “I was so excited, totally shocked,” she shared in an interview immediately following the announcement. Her initial reaction was shared with her dog, Coco, before reaching out to her family. From a young age, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Edgar developed a deep appreciation for exploration, fueled by a childhood encounter with a space shuttle launch.
From Geology to the Stars: Edgar’s Path to Space
Before stepping into the candidate spotlight, Edgar was involved in significant roles within NASA, including deputy principal investigator for the Artemis 3 geology team. Her extensive experience also includes vital contributions to the Mars Curiosity and Mars Exploration Rover missions. As a geology trainer for NASA engineers and astronauts, Edgar has uniquely prepared herself for the challenges that lie ahead in her astronaut training.
Embarking on Artemis Missions: A Milestone in Human Exploration
Edgar’s potential mission to the lunar surface aligns with NASA’s objectives for the Artemis program, particularly focusing on the lunar south pole—a destination crucial for advancing planetary science and future Martian expeditions. “It’s an important place to go, from both a science perspective and as a launching area for longer missions,” Edgar explained.
Preparing for Space: Intensive Training and Diverse Skills
The rigorous two-year training program for the 2025 ASCANs at Johnson Space Center will cover essential competencies such as spacecraft operation, spacewalk simulations, and foreign language proficiency. Edgar eagerly anticipates the geology training segment, among others, reflecting on the comprehensive skills necessary for deep-space missions. She emphasized the importance of a well-rounded team capable of supporting mission objectives and mutual welfare in remote environments.
A Diverse and Capable Astronaut Class
The composition of the 2025 astronaut class mirrors the diverse expertise required for NASA’s ambitious plans. Edgar commented on the need for diverse skill sets, including pilots, medical professionals, engineers, and scientists, underscoring the importance of collaboration and learning across disciplines. As NASA continues to evolve its space exploration capabilities, Edgar and her class stand ready to face the new frontiers head-on, contributing to humanity’s quest for deeper cosmic understanding.
