A SpaceX Adventure: Life on Mars

From the instant my name was announced as the habitat operations lead for the Life On Mars simulation, I knew my 2024 would be off to a promising start. The excitement of being selected for a project sponsored by SpaceX and supported by Space Foundation and the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation was indescribable. It felt like the stars were aligning, guiding me to a destination I had always dreamed of.

The news of my selection was a moment of great excitement. I felt a tingling in my stomach, similar to the anticipation of a space launch. The opportunity to contribute to a mission that simulates life on Mars is a dream come true for any space enthusiast.

I got the news at home while I was with my mom. I opened the mail and the first thing I read was, "Congratulations, you have been selected for Life On Mars, you will be working with experts from NASA". I checked that it was a real and reliable email, so I shouted with joy. I ran out with tears in my eyes to tell my mom, but the words were no longer coming out and she asked in anguish, "Ay Daniela what happened!!! Is it good or bad?"

Between sobs I answered her, "It's very good, mom. it's wonderful! I was selected as part of a team for Life On Mars, a simulation that will feature experts from the NASA".

I went back to my computer to continue reading the email, when I got to the part that said: "We have chosen you as the team leader of the habitat operations team" Again I screamed and cried with emotion. They were trusting me for such an important project and I felt supremely honored and grateful.

Throughout the process Cari and Kelli from Space Foundation were very attentive. They helped me with the visa issue, sent the letter to the embassy, answered questions about the simulation days, put us in contact with the participants and the leaders of the other teams, organized meetings and gave us the tools to lead the team decision making process.

I remember the first colleague who contacted me from Life On Mars in December 2023 was Terry, a person I greatly admire for his passion and dedication to the space industry. I am extremely grateful to have connected with such fascinating people; the synergy was present in every conversation.

Life On Mars is more than just a simulation; it is a melting pot of collaboration and education. With participants from fields as diverse as agriculture, medicine, recreation, engineering and architecture, this event transcends the traditional boundaries of the space industry, inspiring and engaging all involved.

But beyond the technology and science, what has really made this experience memorable are the people. Meeting such brilliant and passionate minds has been as enriching as the mission itself. Together, we have shared that tireless desire to explore the unknown.

What truly made this experience unique were the human connections and mutual support every step of the way. These are the moments I will treasure forever, reminding us that, although our goal was Mars, our journey was decidedly human.

"Life On Mars" was not just a simulation; it was a promise of what is to come. And as I write these words, I feel the same excitement I felt on the first day, because I know that this is just the beginning of something bigger, something that goes beyond me, beyond us, and reaches out to the stars.

I would like to thank all those who helped me to create the informative content about Life On Mars for the communities of Xori Space Academy you will find on my Instagram: Dani Payán