From the Citizen Scientist of NASA to the training of astronauts: an interview with Benedetta Facini
Titans Space Industries, a commercial space company, has selected a new cohort of astronauts candidates this spring – and among them is the citizen scientist of NASA, Benedetta Facini. She participated not in one, but in many scientific projects citizens of NASA: Cloudpotting on Mars, active asteroids, daily minor planet, globe, exoasteroids and international astronomical collaboration (IASC). We asked him a few questions about her work with NASA and his way to become a candidate for the astronaut.
Q: How did you learn the science of citizens of NASA?
A: Thanks to colleagues and social media, I often came across people who were talking about the science of citizens, and that immediately took my curiosity. I did online research on the subject and asked certain colleagues already involved. Finally, I managed to find a way to participate by exploring the programs offered by NASA Citizen Science, which impressed me with their variety.
Q: How about you won by working on these NASA projects?
A: Curiosity to discover new things and a lot of patience: many projects indeed require attention and, as mentioned, patience. I had the pleasure of discovering that even NASA is based on “ordinary people” to do research, which gives them the opportunity to learn new things using simple tools.
I also acquired practical experience in the analysis of real data and the identification of celestial objects to contribute to real research efforts. My favorite part was to learn to recognize the cloud model in the data collected by the Spender of Mars Climate on the Mars recognition orbiter.
I learned the importance of international collaboration: I know many scientists from citizens now, and interact with them teach me a lot every day.
Q. What do you do when you don’t work on citizens’ science?
A: I am a scientific student and communicator. I share my knowledge and my enthusiasm through social media, schools, webinaries around the world and space festivals of Italy where I have the opportunity to get involved with a large audience, from young students to adults.
Recently, I took an important step: I was selected as candidate of astronaut by the commercial space company, Titans Space Industries. I am delighted to start the basic training soon, which marks the first step towards the realization of my dream of becoming an astronaut and of contributing directly to human space flights and scientific research.
Q. What should you do to become an astronaut?
A: Gain as much experience as possible. During the selection of astronauts, not only are school achievements assessed, but also professional and personal experiences.
Each skill can be useful during the selection process: the ability to work in a team, which is essential during space missions; survival skills; Experience as a diver, parachuting or pilot; knowledge of other languages; and the ability to adapt to different situations.
I would also like to demystify a myth: you do not need to be Einstein and adapt as an Olympic levels; You just need to be good in what you do and be healthy.
Q: How did citizen science help you in your career?
A: The science of citizens was very useful for my career as a scientific communicator, because it gave me the opportunity to show people that anyone can contribute to the space sector. At the same time, this allowed me to become a mentor and a reference point for many students (mainly with the IASC project).
The practical experience I acquired by analyzing the real data was also very useful for my university career. I had never had any real data with which to work before, and this experience proved to be extremely precious for the practical courses of my diploma program in physics.
Q. Do you have any advice that you want to share for other citizen scientists or for people who wish to become astronauts?
A: For other citizen scientists, my advice is to remain curious and persistent.
Do not be afraid to ask for help and interact with other colleagues because the objective of the Citizen Scientific Program of NASA is international collaboration and each small contribution can make a difference.
For aspirants astronauts, my advice is to gain as much experience as possible. The academic results are important, but practical skills, teamwork, adaptability and actual experiences are also important.
Stay passionate and never lose your curiosity; The Astronaut path is difficult; Do not give up after a first possible rejection. You will always meet people who are trying to make you change your mind and your dream, even people from your family, but do not stop in front of the obstacles. The biggest regret is knowing that you have not tried to realize your dream.
Citing my inspiration, the Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli: “You must have the capacity and the courage to dream of impossible things. Anyone can dream of possible things. Dreaming of something impossible, one of those things that, when you say it out loud, people look at you and say: “Of course, study hard and you will do”.
Q: Thank you for sharing your story with us! Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I would like to thank the team behind NASA Citizen Science.
These projects play a crucial role in the passion of students for life sciences and guide them towards a potential career in this area.
Knowing that I have helped to help scientists are incredibly motivating and encourages me, me and students around the world, to continue, to stay curious and to continue our path in the field of science.
The opportunity to participate in these projects during learning is inspiring and reinforces the idea that everyone, whatever their journey, can have a real impact in the scientific community.
