"Space is one of the greatest stories humanity has ever told"
A big thank you to Sara for agreeing to discuss her experiences through the space industry with me.
Karsen
How and why did you get into the space industry?
Sara
Space has captivated my imagination since I was a child, and I took a meandering path to get here. After journalism school at Columbia and living abroad for a number of years, I worked as a reporter for a while before transitioning into tech PR. I primarily worked with companies in the AI, defense, and commercial space sectors. I transitioned in-house to Blue after having them as a client for a few years. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect job for me because it blends my passion for space with my many 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 you could succeed?
Sara
Hopefully Orbitelle 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. Today, there are so many tools and resources that help accelerate learning in these areas. As a kid, the space industry felt out of reach, like it belonged to an elite group that I didn’t see myself a 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 only applied to Columbia because it uses a pass-fail grading system, and most importantly, you could take a current events exam instead of the GRE for admission. I love learning for the sake of learning. 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 didn’t exist until a decade or two ago. What kinds of jobs do you think will arise in the next few decades that we don’t have now?
Sara
Space is one of the greatest stories humanity has ever told. It’s a story about human ingenuity, a story about tenacity, innovation, imagination, curiosity, relentless persistence. Space is a multi-generational story. It’s a bi-partisan story. It’s a story that inspires hope during times of national tragedy. It's the story of the underdog. Those stories will always be important to tell. Fast forward 40-50 years when we have settlements on the moon. There will need to be someone chronicling life there, recording history. Sign me up.
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 Antarctica whose job is to document 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
What will these space settlements look like? How do you think that might happen?
Sara
It will start with a few in the scientific community and proliferate from there. 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 house. These questions were very eye-opening for me. 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 about diversity across the board. Our future life in space should reflect the richness and diversity on Earth.
Karsen
What advice would you give to young women who want to work in the space industry?
Sara
Ask for help and don't be shy about it. It takes courage to ask for help, but those who do will find a bunch of people like me eager to help.
