Puerto Rico Space Foundation

🚀Holiday Moonshots End-of-the-Year Celebration🚀 Sun, Dec 29 | Aqui Se Puede, Old San Juan Join us for a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration where the magic of Puerto Rican traditions meets the excitement of space exploration! ✨ Celebrate Puerto Rican Holiday Traditions 🍹 Enjoy a Cash Bar & Local Picadera* 🚀 Discover the Puerto Rico Space Foundation’s Mission 🌟 Support the Future of Space Education in Puerto Rico Now is the perfect time to hit pause and reflect on the past year! Let’s celebrate our growth, the challenges we’ve overcome, and set exciting intentions for the year ahead. Much like the awe-inspiring journey through space, exploring the stars ignites our imagination and encourages us to contemplate our place in the universe. It’s all about dreaming big and embracing the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. This year, let’s combine our personal stories and celebrate how we’re all connected to the incredible adventures that await us in the great beyond. Welcome to Moonshots—where we reach for the stars together! Your generous support at the event will help advance the Puerto Rico Space Foundation’s mission and inspire future space innovators. *All proceeds will directly benefit the Puerto Rico Space Foundation. Please DONATE to our cause: https://lnkd.in/g-7x7ubA

✨ Feeling incredibly grateful as 2024 comes to an end! 🙏🚀 We're overwhelmed with joy looking back at the amazing milestones we've achieved together this year at the Puerto Rico Space Foundation. 🤩 From igniting a passion for space in our incredible professors and students through our Virtual Astronautics and Analog Astronaut Training Academy, to empowering local entrepreneurs with our Space Business Plan Hackathon, it's been an incredible journey! 🌠 And guess what? We're just getting started! 🚀 In 2025, we're setting our sights even higher! With your support, we'll: 1)Expand space educational programs: Inspiring even more future space explorers! 👨🚀👩🚀 #STEM 2)Host the Caribbean Space Summit: Bringing together brilliant minds to collaborate and invest in Puerto Rico's space industry! 🤝 3)Support Spaceport Puerto Rico: Making the island a key player in space commerce and research! 🛰️ 4)Launch Microgravity Laboratories: Providing unprecedented access to reduced gravity environments for groundbreaking research and education! 🔬 🙏 Feeling incredibly grateful for everyone who has believed in our vision and joined us on this incredible journey! 💖 Your trust and support mean the cosmos to us as we work to make Puerto Rico a leader in the global space community. ✨ Nathan Whigham Gail Nolan CEcD Andreica Maldonado Frances M. Zenón Meléndez, Ph.D. Jorge A. Valentine, EdD, CAPM Kamille Morales Lebrón Gerardo Morell Luis Torres Ivan Lugo Juan M. Aguayo-Leal Rafael “Dondi” Pesquera Gilberto Alvarado Santiago Rex Deming - Tu Carrera Primero Josue Galloza Miguel Soto Cruz Amilcar Rincon-Charris Aurelio Fuentes Olivia G. Sheilla Torres-Nieves Israel Figueroa Rodriguez José L. Hernández Jose Castro Segarra Nelson Perea Pedro Nieves Luis Ramos Raul E. Diaz Lugo, M.S., Sc.D. Evelina Felicite-Maurice Andres Rolenson Cirilo Cruz-Tejeda Deborah Martorell Yaneisha Pérez Padilla Francisco Cordova Captain Stephan Reckie Steven Orlando Figueroa Ella Woger-Nieves Abel Méndez Arnaldo Soto Jr. Robert Aillon Quincy Kissiedu-Brown DrJewellMD DCEG

NASA Mission Concept Academy (MCA): Learn space mission development skills and gain hands-on experience through a 15-week program designed to immerse you in NASA mission planning and design. Each week, you’ll receive training from NASA and industry scientists and engineers, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to develop a preliminary mission concept that follows the NASA mission life cycle. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary teaming and communication, helping you work effectively with experts from various fields while building critical leadership and collaboration skills. Conducted in a virtual environment, this experience mirrors how global space missions operate, giving you practical remote project management expertise. Hands-on training with tools like Siemens NX for CAD design and JMARS for remote sensing analysis equips you with valuable technical skills in spacecraft design and planetary data analysis. You’ll also develop strong technical writing skills, essential for crafting detailed proposals and reports that will be key throughout your career. In addition, you’ll gain insight into NASA review procedures. By the end of the program, you will have a foundation in mission design, technical writing, and review processes, positioning you for success in space mission development and beyond. Applications for Spring 2025 close 1/10/25. Summer 2025 applications will open 2/3/25. Requirements for participation: Students must be over the age of 18 and enrolled in a US College or University (undergraduate or graduate program, dual enrollment high school students will not be accepted). You must have access to a computer with internet, webcam, and microphone capabilities and have time to devote an additional 6-10 hours per week, beyond the online session requirements, towards completion of team projects. LINK: https://lnkd.in/egVRi5nG

Primero que todo, a Dios sea toda la Gloria y Honra! Este día será inolvidable. Tuve la oportunidad de presentar en la ASGSR American Society for Gravitational and Space Research de este año. Allí pude presentar una iniciativa para promover un Programa de Astronauta Análogo en las escuelas superiores de Puerto Rico, en especial la Escuela Superior Urbana Carlos Colón Burgos donde laboro. Fue una experiencia que jamás imaginé. Tambien agradezco a Christopher E. Orozco González Ph.D., MPH, Nohely Hernandez Soto, Miguel Soto Cruz, Jose Molina, Gina P. M., Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust y el Puerto Rico Space Foundation por estar ahí apoyando. Tambien fue honor conocer y compartir con Rafael “Dondi” Pesquera. En fin, grandes cosas están por venir…. #astronautaanalogo, #prsf, #asgrs, #prsciencetechnologyreseaechtrust, #sucarloscolónburgos 🚀🧑🚀🌎🪐✨💫☄️

Somedays I'm just so thankful for the incredible people and opportunities God puts in my path. This last week I had the opportunity to be a panelist on the ISS Research 'Workforce Solutions' session at the American Society of Gravitational and Space Researchers, which held their annual meeting in Puerto Rico. It was 800+ experts so the interesting conversations were endless. Way to go Puerto Rico, you proved once again that the Island is reaching for the stars and delivering! Thank you Olivia G. for the invite to showcase PR’s incredible strengths and Davide Marotta, Ph.D. for moderating a conversation that could have gone on for days! Justin Kugler Gerardo Rodríguez Díaz ROSE M. HERNANDEZ, Ph.D. Joshua H. Andreica Maldonado Jose Molina Gina P. M. Nathan Whigham Ivan Lugo José L. Hernández Deborah Martorell Nicole Wagner, Ph.D. Rafael Defendini

🌎🛰️ The Milo Climate Action Academy has wrapped up its first program in Puerto Rico! 🇵🇷 This pioneering collaboration between The Milo Space Science Institute of the Arizona State University and our Research Grants Program, brought together 102 participants from 53 Puerto Rican municipalities to design 28 innovative climate solutions. 🌱 Highlights: 🥇 5 top teams awarded, with two tying for 2nd place 🌐 Networking with industry leaders & experts 🌍 Focus areas: Forest Restoration, Agricultural Sustainability, Coastal Zone and Water Resource Management, and Urban Planning 🎉Congratulations to our winning teams for their outstanding contributions to climate action! We’re proud to pave the way for a sustainable future in Puerto Rico. Huge thanks to all participants and collaborators for making this event a success! If you missed it, watch here: https://bit.ly/3OIQ3G6 #ClimateActionHeroes #MiloClimateActionAcademy #ResearchGrants #fundstogrow #Space4Earth #Innovation #PuertoRico #ClimateChange Luis Fernández Negrón, MSc viridis miranda Laura Ramos Serrano Paola Andrea Colon Frances Vazquez Maria Fernanda Rodriguez-Torres Solange B. Otero Rivera Wadner J. Molina Andrea N. Ríos Rolón Lluvymar M. Castro Sepúlveda Dem J. Santiago Santiago Maleidy Parrilla Eyanie Román Katiria Colón Rivera AXEL T OLIVERA-MARTINEZ Sheri Klug Boonstra Dann Garcia Michael Fogg Hayley Ernest Andreica Maldonado Grace M. Rendón Febles Kamille Morales Lebrón Arch. Fernando Pabón AIA, CAAPPR Jose Molina

The Puerto Rico Space Foundation (PRSF) is proud to have played a pivotal role at this year’s ASGSR American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Annual Meeting, highlighting Puerto Rico's growing influence in the fields of space research, education & talent development. 🔬 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 PRSF supported and showcased an innovative research initiative: "𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴: 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘚𝘚" — A visionary approach to addressing astronaut well-being in space while having practical terrestrial applications. Christopher E. Orozco González Ph.D., MPH Miguel Soto Cruz Giovanni Oliveras Hernandez Nohely Hernandez Soto Gilberto Alvarado Santiago 🏫 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 🚀 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘀:: PRSF showcased two education initiatives: 1️⃣ We presented our 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, which will be implemented in Puerto Rico's schools, offering students a unique opportunity to explore gravity-related experiments. By bringing space science directly into classrooms, we are fostering curiosity and ambition among the island's youth. Amilcar Rincon-Charris Luis Torres 2️⃣ "𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝘈𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘔𝘈𝘈𝘙𝘚, 𝘗𝘙𝘚𝘍, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘰 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴" — Our Virtual Analog Astronaut Training Program, developed in collaboration with #MMAARS, aims to empower Puerto Rican students to become analog astronauts. This program serves as a pathway to STEM careers while inspiring students to see themselves as future leaders in space exploration DrJewellMD DCEG 🌟 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: Through the participation and leadership of educators and students — including representatives from Escuela Superior Urbana Carlos Colón Burgos — we are strengthening the connection between space research and community impact. Our initiatives are designed to uplift students and provide them with the skills and vision to pursue careers in space-related fields. 🤝 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 & Friends  We extend our sincere thanks to the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust Andreica Maldonado Gail Nolan CEcD Gina P. M. Nathan Whigham Olivia G. Heath Mills Engine-4 José L. Hernández Juan M. Aguayo-Leal Rafael “Dondi” Pesquera Ivan Lugo Deborah Martorell Maribella Domenech Rhodium Scientific ROSE M. HERNANDEZ, Ph.D. Dr. Ioana Cozmuta Jose Castro Segarra Frances M. Zenón Meléndez, Ph.D. Abel Méndez Kamille Morales Lebrón Ken Shields Dennis Stone Nancy Rabel Hall This moment represents a step forward for PR in the space sector. We are inspired by the connections made at ASGSR and remain committed to advancing space education, research and opportunities for our island’s youth.

Last night, I joined a stellar networking event with professionals from NASA, Rhodium Scientific, and Intuitive Machines where we discussed how the Space sector could drive Puerto Rico’s economic growth by leveraging our talent and fostering innovation. Excited for the possibilities ahead! 🚀 📸 Sharing a group picture from the event. #InvestPuertoRico #Space #Innovation #PuertoRico Rhodium Scientific Intuitive Machines Invest Puerto Rico Heath Mills Olivia G. Andreica Maldonado Jose Molina

This week, I had the incredible opportunity to present, alongside Nohely Hernandez Soto , our research project "Optimizing Food Production in Extreme Environments: A Case Study from the MMAARS Analog Astronaut Mission in the Mohave Desert" at the annual ASGSR (American Society for Gravitational and Space Research) conference. Thank you to the Puerto Rico Space Foundation and MMAARS for allowing us to become Analog Astronauts and conduct meaningful research during our mission. Special thanks to our amazing crew, Gilberto Alvarado Santiago Giovanni Oliveras Hernandez Miguel Soto Cruz for being an essential part of Mission 2401 and contributing to this journey! 🚀 Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust Jose Molina Puerto Rico Space Foundation #SpaceResearch #AnalogAstronauts #ASGSR #MMAARS #PuertoRicoSpaceFoundation #ExtremeEnvironments

Tonight, sharing with friends from the Puerto Rico Space Foundation at the annual meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research, being held this year in PR. Puerto Rico Space Foundation ASGSR American Society for Gravitational and Space Research