When I was a kid, anyone who asked me about my dreams would hear a quick and confident reply: “I want to be a NASA astronaut.” Only one very sweet and encouraging teacher believed in my dream. Everyone else would either laugh at me or look at me with pity, thinking my dream was unattainable.
As a teenager, I briefly considered moving to America to seriously pursue my dream. I sometimes wonder how different my life could have been if I had received more encouragement.
Elon Musk, who is exactly three months older than me, often comes to mind. If I had moved to the USA, we might have ended up there at the same time. I wonder if I would have floated weightlessly in orbit by now or been part of Elon’s SpaceX team, revolutionizing space travel.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
Last week, these thoughts resurfaced as I prepared for a gathering of astronomers, astronauts, and space scientists in Cape Town. Starting today, I will be mentoring a group of young aspiring broadcasters eager to become science communicators. We will run an online radio station broadcasting highlights of the International Astronomical Union’s conference.
We will be near NASA’s exhibition stand, and I know I will feel pangs of jealousy and regret when I see that sign. It will be especially poignant when we participate in a live-link up to the International Space Station, attempting to talk to the astronauts on board. This interaction with real-life astronauts will be both thrilling and bittersweet, as it will remind me of the path I didn’t take.
As a space enthusiast, I find all of this very exciting. Over the years, I have met people at the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). I have admired the work of the Russian, European, Chinese, and Japanese space agencies and applauded the recent establishment of the African Space Agency.
The Need for Encouragement
Despite all the excitement and rapid progress in space science, I rarely hear kids discussing or studying space science careers. This is a concern. When ambitious plans like lunar and Martian colonies become a reality, and they start recruiting engineers, pilots, botanists, and technicians, Africa might be left behind.
We can take some comfort in knowing that a South African-born visionary is leading the space race, and most launches would fail without a small station in Pretoria operated by SANSA, which provides telemetry for spaceships. However, we can do more.
We need to start educating our kids now for the myriad of new careers that will emerge from the space race. Encouragement and support are crucial. If a child says she wants to be a space plumber one day, don’t laugh at her.
It’s vital to create an environment where children’s dreams, no matter how extraordinary, are nurtured. By fostering an environment of encouragement and support, we can ensure that the next generation of African scientists and engineers are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of space exploration.
Our children need to hear that their dreams are possible. They should be inspired by the achievements of space agencies around the world and understand that they, too, can be part of this exciting future. Educators and parents must play a crucial role in this by exposing children to the wonders of space and the opportunities it holds.
Inspiring Future Generations to fulfil their Dreams
Starting early, we can integrate space science into our education systems, providing children with the knowledge and skills they will need. We can organize workshops, science fairs, and field trips to space-related sites to spark their interest. Highlighting the work of African scientists and engineers in the field can also serve as powerful inspiration.
We must also support and fund programs that encourage space science studies. Scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs can provide the practical support needed to turn dreams into reality.
This approach will not only help individual children achieve their dreams but will also contribute to the overall development of our continent. With more young people trained in space science, Africa can play a significant role in the global space community, ensuring we are not left behind.
By nurturing the dreams of our children today, we can ensure a brighter and more inclusive future in space exploration. We must believe in their potential and provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed. The sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
