About

At just 21 years old, Karsen Kitchen is poised to make history as the youngest woman ever to cross the Karman Line, the internationally recognized boundary marking the edge of  outer space. Currently a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Karsen has already fulfilled the requirements for a Communications degree and is now taking classes in her Astronomy minor.

Her journey into the realms beyond our planet is not merely a dream; it’s backed by solid experience. Karsen has conducted research in radio astronomy at the esteemed Green Bank Observatory and has contributed her talents to UNC’s Morehead Planetarium. Moreover, she’s not just paving her own way, but also clearing a path for others through Orbitelle, an initiative she founded to encourage women of all ages to pursue opportunities in space exploration—an industry she intends to dive into herself upon graduating in 2025.

Karsen’s passion for space knows no bounds. She’s already immersed herself in centrifugal force training, experienced the weightlessness of Zero-Gravity flight, and is currently in training for her advanced scuba diving license. Beyond her celestial pursuits, she finds joy in crafting custom jewelry, brainstorming entrepreneurial ventures, and cherishing moments with her beloved cat, Coco.