Skyline High School Alum Joins NASA’s Elite Astronaut Candidate Class!

SEATTLE — NASA has welcomed a new astronaut candidate from Western Washington. Lauren Edgar, a 40-year-old geologist from Sammamish, is among ten chosen for the class of 2025.

Edgar brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. She holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in geology from Caltech, along with a bachelor’s in Earth sciences from Dartmouth College. With over 17 years of experience, she recently worked as the deputy principal investigator for the Artemis III Geology Team.

During an announcement event in Houston on September 22, Stephen Koerner, deputy director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, shared that the candidates will undergo rigorous training. “They’ll learn about geology, survival skills, and even train in high-performance jets,” he said. This training aims to enhance NASA’s efforts in exploring new destinations in our Solar System.

Edgar expressed her excitement about joining NASA. “I’ve participated in several NASA programs during my studies and have been working with the U.S. Geological Survey. I look forward to contributing to lunar and Mars exploration,” she said.

Since 1959, NASA has selected 370 astronaut candidates, with Edgar being one of only 61 women chosen. This highlights the ongoing effort to diversify the field of space exploration.

As interest in space travel grows, it’s worth noting that a recent survey found that 66% of Americans support sending humans to Mars within the next decade. This reflects the public’s enthusiasm for exploration in the cosmos.

In addition, digital conversations around Edgar’s selection have sparked excitement on social media. Many users are sharing their support and words of encouragement, underscoring a communal pride in hometown heroes pursuing such groundbreaking careers.

As Edgar steps into this prestigious role, she joins a legacy of pioneers and plays a part in shaping the future of space exploration.

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