Meet the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space: Katya Echazarreta. Kat moved to the US when she was around eight years old and, over the years, overcame many obstacles with the support of her mom, who encouraged her to chase her dreams. As a student at San Diego City College, where she studied Electrical Engineering, she interned at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. That led to a full-time position as an electrical engineer and allowed her to work on five NASA missions. Kat, who has been recognized for her contributions to society and to technology, was chosen by the non-profit Space for Humanity to make that grand voyage in June 2022 at the age of 26—also making her the youngest American woman to travel to space. We were fortunate to catch up with Kat and hear about her recent travels and future plans as well as her message for Latinas.
Kat, congratulations on all of your incredible accomplishments! What has life been like for you since your trip to space?
Thank you so much! Life has been busy in the best way. For me, this new platform is all about inspiring as many people as possible, especially the Hispanic community.
I saw a few of your interviews after your trip,
and they asked what it was like in space. You had so many different physical experiences. What was it like mentally and emotionally? And how did you feel once you returned to earth?
Mentally, it was a very confusing experience at first. We are a collection of experiences, and our bodies react based on those experiences, but during a first experience in space, our minds are completely confused! Emotionally, it is just as strange! We are used to feelings like happiness, surprise, sadness, etc., but, when looking at the planet, the feeling of excessive awe was so fresh and hypnotizing!
Your passion and energy are contagious when it comes to science and electrical engineering.
What changes and innovations would you like to see in those worlds?
I truly believe that the way to inspire others about something is to talk about what most inspires you! I would love for this new era of technology to usher in a change for the world— technology that benefits humanity while doing equally good for the planet or, at the very least, no longer harming it.
As a first-generation Mexican American, it makes me incredibly proud to see you influence so many people via your social media and YouTube. What is your biggest vision for young Hispanic people when it comes to engineering or sciences?
My hope is that the statistics start to change. That is why I do what I do. I want my community to feel welcomed in these spaces. Diversity means nothing without inclusion.
Can you talk about your show on Netflix and how that came about?
I began working with Netflix for the YouTube series "Netflix IRL." It started with one episode for one idea and it quickly became multiple episodes by request! The whole idea was to create a myth-busting series where we use experimentation methods in order to debunk movie and show scenes!
Do you plan on going to space again?
100%! My goal is to be able to reach the moon in my lifetime and I know I will reach it. One, because I know myself and, two, because I know the direction of the space industry!
What words of inspiration can you give to our Latina readers hoping to achieve their dreams the way you have?
It's okay to be afraid. Fear is normal. Fear of failure. Fear of obstacles. Fear of not achieving something. But, what is not okay is for us to let it stop us! So, my fellow Latinas, we may be scared, but we do it anyway!
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Christina Rosas Anastasiou
- Image courtesy
- Katya Echazarreta
- Retouching
- Brianna Kish
- Senior Editor
- Jessica Catignani
- Creative Credit
- Blue Origin
- Creative Credit
- Katya Echazarreta
