Science
On Sunday, May 18, the newly appointed Guatemaltec among the 100 prodigy children of the world, David López, and Geraldinn Cortez, a Guatemalan scientific researcher and disseminator, talked about what is needed to prepare more Guatemalan astronauts.
Geraldinn Cortez and David López stand out in space issues in Guatemala and presented a conversation in which they explored what is needed in Guatemala to be astronauts. (Photo Press Free: Ig @chapinauta.gt and López family)
With the support of the Astronomy Institute of the Galileo University and Noc Guatemala of the International Astronomical Union, a conversation was developed between David López, who was appointed at 10 years as one of the 100 prodigy children in the world by him Global Child Prodigy Awards and the engineer Geraldinn Cortéz, an analogous Guatemalan astronaut.
Geraldinn Cortez is an agronomist in renewable natural resources from the University of San Carlos de Guatemala and currently studies his mastery in crop sciences, soils and environment, with specialization in digital mapping of soils at the University of Arkansas, where he also serves as a research assistant.
It was selected to participate in the International Air and Space Program (IASP), an international scientific training program in spatial technologies, in which it obtained first place with its Lumminys team, so it sent a prototype of its project to the International Space Station to be tested in the MISSE module. In addition, during the program he received specialized training in the US Space & Rocket Center, in Alabama, where he began his training as future astronaut.
Cortez also participated in the Analog Mission Valquiria as a science officer, a project led by Latin American scientific women who simulated living conditions on Mars to form analog astronauts.
On June 1, he will represent Guatemala and his culture on a zero gravity research flight with the Zero-G company, after being selected as Space for Humanity’s space ambassador, an organization that promotes access to space as a tool for global change.
How to be an astronaut in Guatemala?
Edgar Castro, director of the Basic Astronomy and Astrophysics Diploma career of the Galileo University, directed this activity in which children, adolescents and adults joined to learn more about what is needed to be an astronaut.
The child prodigy asked the first questions about what it is like to prepare to go to space. The first concern was whether a Guatemalan child could become an astronaut.
The expert replied that it does not matter what country we are to get to space and today there are multiple companies and organizations that allow the interests to prepare.
Within the activity, other questions arose such as knowing if it was possible to play in space or what happened to astronauts to go to the bathroom, among other concerns. Each of the doubts was answered by Cortez and shared anecdotes such as Lawrence J. Delucas that created the way of playing basketball in space and how the technology of bathrooms that do not use water but air works for its operation works.
David López was also asked what his great dream for the future is. He acknowledged that although at first he wanted to be an astronaut now his great dream is to know Mars and Follow a science or mathematics career. “I want to be an astrobiologist,” says David in his passion for looking for life on other planets.
The theme was also summarized in the following points for those who want to follow the astronaut race:
- Studying and dedicating yourself to a university career is essential. Academic training, such as a mastery or a doctorate, also provides advantages. Learning new things is important for personal and professional development.
- Practicing the activities that we like is also essential. Extracurricular, cultural, hobbies and social impact activities add up to a career dedicated to space.
- Taking care of the body is indispensable to maintain good health and physical condition, and thus face the different challenges. Astronauts, for example, must adapt to changes in their food and exercise routine.
- It is necessary to get involved in different camps and activities related to space.
- “Dreams are the engine that make us reach the goals and not let anyone tell us that we cannot,” says Cortez, who also invites you to open doors. For his part, López encourages children to get involved: “It is never too early to learn.”