From Online Astronomy Classes to Space: The Inspiring Journey of a Mexican-Born Woman

Katya Echazarreta, a Mexican electrical engineer, became the first Mexican-born woman to go to space in June 2022. After immigrating to California at the age of 7, Echazarreta faced challenges fitting in due to the language barrier. However, her passion for engineering and space led her to pursue a career at NASA. Echazarreta's interest in space began at a young age, and she even signed up for online astronomy classes under her mom's name at the age of 12. Now, she aims to inspire others through her foundation, Fundación Espacial, and hopes to open doors for more people to explore the space industry.