Valeria Fernanda Sierra Cano’s great Guatemalan dream is in the stars. This engineering student She has been on a scholarship since April 2025 in a program from the United States Space Agency (NASA), where she is trained in various astronautical courses.
On September 18, 2025, Valeria received a diploma at the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala for having been the first compatriot selected. to participate in a complete course at the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), in Florida, United States.
A great dream that reaches heaven
This program included mission simulations, flights that recreate microgravity conditions, and the use of pressurized spacesuits. “It’s the closest thing to what an astronaut lives, but here on Earth“, explained the Guatemalan when referring to the program that has strengthened her dream: to be the first Guatemalan astronaut.
Valeria obtained this scholarship after designing a concrete based on ash and cane that could be used in a lunar mission. With this material he participated in the Central American Space Congress 2024.
“I want to open a gap in the country. In Guatemala it is not common to hear that someone is preparing to be an astronaut, and I believe that this course can help change that reality“, said.
Recognition of your talent
The recognition in Congress was delivered by representative Sandra Milián, who said that she knows Valeria since she was a child, when she already demonstrated her aptitude for learning science.
Valeria will travel to Quito, Ecuador, for a conference before 400 pedagogy professionalsas it is interested in encouraging the learning of mathematics, technology and science.
Valeria Sierra’s message to young people is to expand their knowledge: “Don’t stick with what they teach in class. Read, explore and be disciplined, because discipline builds”.