Sara Blask

Karsen

How and why did you get into the space industry?

Sara

Space has captivated my imagination since I was a child, and I’m very fortunate to have taken a meandering path to get here. I attended to Colby College in Maine, where I majored in international relations with minors in creative writing and environmental studies. I earned my graduate degree in journalism from Colombia University. After graduation, I worked in communications, then transitioned into tech PR. In PR, I primarily worked with companies in the AI, defense, and commercial space sectors. Blue Origin was one of my clients, and after working with them for about two years, I transitioned to a role at Blue. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect job for me because it blends my passion for space with my other intellectual interests.

Karsen

You mentioned that space captivated you as a kid. Did it seem like an achievable path for you? Were you confident that you could succeed?

Sara

Hopefully, through your organization, you can show women that STEM fields aren’t as intimidating as they might seem. I found a unique path into the commercial space industry through communications. I never excelled in STEM fields, despite my efforts. Today, there are so many tools and resources that help accelerate learning in these areas. When I was in school, I was reading physics books, trying to grasp their concepts without practical applications. As a kid, the space industry felt out of reach, like it belonged to an elite group that I didn’t see myself part of. As my career progressed, I realized how broadly you can consider careers in these fields.

Karsen

Did you feel that way because you weren’t good at those fields or because of external pressures related to being a woman.

Sara

It wasn’t external pressure; I just lacked confidence in those fields. I always struggled with math and science. I applied to Columbia for journalism school for three reasons: It’s one of the best journalism schools in the country, it uses a pass-fail grading system, and most importantly, you could take a current events exam instead of the GRE for admission. The exam included a current events test and a writing test on a deadline, which suited by strengths and interests. I love learning for the sake of learning, not for the grades. I excelled in writing because I prioritized and enjoyed it.

Karsen

You work in communications and PR for Blue Origin, which is a niche part of the space industry that likely didn’t exist 30-50 years ago. What kind of jobs do you think will arise in the next 30-50 years that we don’t have now?

Sara

I believe that space is one of the greatest stories humanity has ever told, and it’s bipartisan. It inherently tends to bring people together. It's inspiring. It's the story of the underdog. It's a story of exploration. Those stories will always be important to tell. Fast forward 40-50 years, it would be incredible if there was a settlement on the moon. When that happens, there will need to be someone chronicling life there, recording the early history of the first lunar settlement.

Karsen

Like a space journalist?

Sara

Yes, exactly.

Karsen

I want that job!

Sara

I know, sign me up. Early lunar settlements are expected to be similar to the early settlements in Antarctica, which I had the privilege of visiting a couple of years ago. There is someone in the scientific community in Antarctica, documenting all the happenings in that community. In space, there will need to be people teaching others how to write, communicate, build brands, and tell inspiring stories.

Karsen

Okay. Like educational settlements?

Sara

Yes, for sure. There will need to be early childhood education teachers all the way up through. That may be a little soon for 50 years, but who knows? Space correspondent takes on a whole new meaning.

Karsen

Truly, that would be incredible. follow up question: most people, when asked about the future of the space industry, mention reusable launch vehicles, or increased public access. I want to focus on this space settlement. What do you think that may look like? How do you think that might happen?

Sara

I think it will start with a few, and then it will proliferate. As people become more accustomed to the idea of living and working in space, it will take a cohort to become comfortable with it. Once we expand beyond the scientific community, it will take a cohort of people to evangelize the opportunity, and I hope it grows from there. Now, reusable launch vehicles will be crucial in facilitating our ability to get there and back safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. I recently had a conversation with someone at Blue who posed the question: “what would a place of worship look like in space? What would it be like to have to get out of your vehicle through an airlock?” That's a very different experience than we have just on Earth, just opening the door and walking into the household. These questions were very eye-opening for me, and I think we have a lot to consider about the world we want to create in space.

Karsen

Where do you think the space industry can improve regarding representation?

Sara

Everywhere. It's not just about gender; it's also about diversity. Our future life in space should reflect the richness and diversity on Earth. There’s progress to be made, but I am confident we can achieve increased inclusion soon.

Karsen

The last question I have is what advice would you give to young women or young people in general who want to work in the space industry or are already trying to?

Sara

Ask for help and don't be shy about it. Those of us who work in the industry are passionate about it and want to pay it forward, helping to open doors for others. It takes courage to ask for help, but I believe those who do will find many of us eager to help them.