NASA Geologist Lauren Edgar on the Dream of Walking on Mars After 20 Years of Rover Exploration

Lauren Edgar has spent nearly 20 years at NASA exploring the moon and Mars. She guided rover missions and helped design lunar science for the Artemis program. Now, she’s aiming for something even bigger—a chance to fly to space herself.

Recently, Edgar was announced as one of ten candidates in NASA’s 2025 astronaut class at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The new group includes a diverse mix of pilots, engineers, doctors, and scientists, all set for potential missions to the moon and Mars. For Edgar, the news was a thrilling surprise.

“I was so excited. Totally shocked!” she told Space.com. The first person she shared her news with? Her dog, Coco. “I was pacing around on the phone, and she was chasing me through the house,” Edgar recalled with a smile.

After sharing the joy with Coco, she immediately called her husband and family. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she developed a love for the outdoors and a fascination with aviation, which fueled her interest in geology and space. Watching a space shuttle launch in second grade sparked her curiosity: “What else is out there?”

Interestingly, her niece is now in second grade and gets to experience the excitement of the NASA announcement just like Edgar did years ago. “Don’t give up,” she encourages aspiring astronauts. “Nothing is impossible.” Edgar’s journey hasn’t been straightforward, but it has prepared her for this new role.

Before her astronaut selection, Edgar worked on the Artemis 3 geology team, shaping the science goals for upcoming crewed lunar missions. For 17 years, she contributed to the Mars Curiosity rover and other exploration missions, even training NASA engineers and astronauts in geology.

Now stepping into a new role, Edgar doesn’t view this shift as a huge departure. “I think I’m still working towards the same goals,” she said. But now, she recognizes the significant mental load that comes with the responsibility of acting as an astronaut.

One exciting prospect is the mission to the moon, specifically targeting the lunar south pole. NASA aims to establish a sustained human presence there, which Edgar believes is vital for planetary science and future Mars missions. “This area can help us test what we’ll need for long trips to Mars,” she explained.

Natalia Verde, a space exploration expert, points out that establishing a lunar base could provide invaluable insights into long-term living on other celestial bodies. Recent studies show that around 60% of Americans support lunar exploration, seeing it as a stepping stone for human missions to Mars.

NASA views its Artemis missions as crucial steps toward improving technology for longer expeditions. Edgar often visualizes herself on Mars, saying she would “welcome the opportunity if it ever came.” Next, the astronaut candidates will spend two years training at NASA centers, learning diverse skills essential for their missions.

NASA emphasizes the importance of diverse skills in its astronaut training. Edgar acknowledges that achieving success in space requires a mix of talents—pilots, medical professionals, engineers, and scientists all play vital roles in remote, high-stress environments. She’s particularly excited about the geology training ahead and the chance to learn from her teammates.

“Our class reflects the needs of the program,” she noted. “We’ll need everyone’s strengths to explore challenging environments and accomplish vital missions together.” The future is bright for Edgar and the Artemis program, paving the way for human exploration beyond Earth.

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