Every so often, a social media post goes viral claiming that a young “astronaut-in-training” named Alyssa Carson is destined for Mars — and that she will never return. The reality, however, is far less sensational. While Alyssa Carson is a committed space advocate and has built an impressive résumé for her age, she is not an official NASA astronaut, not formally assigned to any Mars mission, and certainly not part of any one-way trip to the Red Planet.
Memes claim she can’t marry or have children because of this supposed mission. These sensational claims make for irresistible headlines—but they’re not true. What she truly is, however, is far more grounded and still deeply inspiring: a space enthusiast, researcher, and STEM advocate who has spent years preparing herself for the possibility of a future in space exploration.
Who Alyssa Carson Really Is
Alyssa Carson was born in 2001 in Hammond, Louisiana, and has been captivated by the stars since childhood. At age seven, she attended her first space camp, setting a lifelong goal to one day travel to Mars. She has since participated in every NASA-affiliated space camp in the world, earned a pilot’s license, completed scuba and microgravity training, and joined the Advanced PoSSUM Space Academy, which focuses on suborbital research.
Academically, Carson graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Astrobiology from the Florida Institute of Technology and is now pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas, researching how microorganisms survive under Mars-like conditions. Her work aligns with the long-term goals of astrobiology — the search for life beyond Earth — but it does not make her a NASA astronaut. Her achievements are remarkable, but they are part of an educational and research journey, not a mission assignment.
NASA’s Official Position: No Mission, No Affiliation
According to multiple fact-checking outlets, including Reuters, USA Today, and AFP, NASA has confirmed it has no formal ties or mission assignment involving Alyssa Carson. She has not been recruited into the astronaut corps nor included in any planned human spaceflight program. NASA officials have clarified that while they support public enthusiasm for space, Carson’s training experiences are independent programs, not part of official astronaut training.
This distinction is vital: NASA’s astronaut corps is made up of individuals selected through a rigorous process involving advanced STEM degrees, extensive professional experience, medical certification, and specialized agency training. Carson’s impressive résumé shows dedication, but she has not yet undergone that process. Claims that she’s been chosen for a one-way mission to Mars are entirely untrue.
There is No Fixed Mars Mission
As of 2025, no confirmed human Mars mission exists. NASA, SpaceX, and other agencies are still in the design and testing phases for crewed missions to the Red Planet. The earliest possible human mission, based on current timelines, would occur no earlier than the late 2030s — and even then, the intent is to return the astronauts safely to Earth.
Planned missions underway but yet to take off are:
- Uncrewed NASA Escapade mission
- The Chinese Tienwen-3 sample return mission in 2028,
- SpaceX first uncrewed Starship Mars launch in late 2026.
- NASA is working towards a human mission to Mars in the 2030s, using the Artemis program to build experience on the Moon as a stepping stone.
The popular myth of a one-way trip, often tied to speculative ventures like the now-defunct “Mars One” project, has no basis in NASA’s official plans. Every credible space agency emphasizes round-trip missions, focusing on safety, sustainability, and long-term exploration goals. Alyssa Carson’s story, though inspiring, does not represent a real mission underway.
How the Misinformation Spread
The misinformation surrounding Carson stems from a blend of public admiration and media distortion. Early interviews highlighted her ambition to become one of the first humans to set foot on Mars, but headlines soon twisted this aspiration into certainty. Phrases like “training for Mars” were reinterpreted as “going to Mars.” Over time, memes and viral videos stripped away nuance, transforming a hopeful dream into a false promise.
Fact-checkers have repeatedly debunked these claims. Reuters’ 2021 investigation labeled the viral statements “false,” noting that Carson herself has never claimed to be officially selected for a Mars mission. Still, social media’s appetite for heroic narratives keeps resurrecting the story, each time a little further from reality.
Hi, I’m Andrew, and I come from India. Experienced content specialist with a passion for writing. My forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, I am obsessed with mountains and love high-altitude trekking. I have been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, a profound experience.
