Key Takeaways
- A viral post claimed that a 24-year-old woman would travel to Mars and never return.
- The photo and description were based on Alyssa Carson, a U.S. space enthusiast, but she has not been selected for any Mars mission.
- NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) confirms that no crewed Mars mission currently exists or has a defined crew.
- Fact-checking organizations such as Reuters, AFP (Agence France-Presse), and AAP (Australian Associated Press) have labeled the viral story false or misleading.
- This article compiles verified data, credible reports, and accurate translations to clarify what is fact and what is fiction.
Narrative & Analysis
The Viral Claim and Its Wording
The viral message circulating on social media stated (translated from Spanish):
“A brave decision was made by a young woman of only 24, who will travel to Mars knowing she will never return to Earth.”
The post portrayed her as one of the “pioneers” of a first human colony on Mars. It called the decision heroic and claimed she had already committed to a no-return journey.
While the narrative was emotionally powerful, no such mission exists. The story spread rapidly because it resonated with themes of sacrifice, courage, and exploration, but lacked factual support.
Who Is Alyssa Carson and What the Evidence Shows
The woman in the photo is widely recognized as Alyssa Carson, a well-known space advocate and public speaker from the United States. Her image and achievements have often been used online to promote space education.
However, verified facts show a very different picture:
- Not an astronaut: Carson is not employed or affiliated with NASA or any space agency.
- Educational background: She holds a bachelor’s degree in astrobiology and is pursuing a PhD focused on Mars research.
- Fact-checked statements:
- Reuters confirmed she has not been selected for a Mars mission.
- AFP clarified she is not a qualified astronaut and that one-way Mars missions are not technologically viable.
- AAP FactCheck debunked claims suggesting she would go on a one-way trip, explaining that NASA’s Mars goals involve round trips only.
- Public role: She appears in educational events, documentaries, and interviews, discussing her passion for space but never claiming to be part of a scheduled mission.
The viral story distorted her ambitions—turning an inspiring student into a fictional astronaut.
Why Such Stories Spread So Easily
- Emotional power: A supposed “one-way ticket to Mars” touches deep human emotions—adventure, bravery, and loss.
- Visual familiarity: Using a real person’s image gives false credibility to the claim.
- Simplified narrative: Complex realities of space programs get replaced with dramatic, shareable myths.
- Low fact-checking behavior: Many users share before verifying information from reliable sources.
The Reality of Human Mars Exploration
As of October 2025 (Europe/Amsterdam time), no human mission to Mars has been launched or scheduled.
- NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and private companies like SpaceX continue developing technology for potential crewed missions in the 2030s.
- Enormous challenges remain: life support, radiation exposure, propulsion efficiency, and ensuring safe return to Earth.
- All official mission plans are designed as return journeys, not permanent one-way settlements.
Human exploration of Mars remains a long-term goal—but one built on research, not on the viral fantasies circulating online.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a 24-year-old woman volunteering for a no-return Mars mission captures attention, but it is pure fiction.
Alyssa Carson represents enthusiasm and curiosity about space, not a confirmed astronaut or participant in any official mission.
This viral case reminds us that ambition and misinformation often intertwine in the age of social media.
Before believing or sharing extraordinary claims, one should always consult verified agencies, fact-checking platforms, and reputable science outlets.
Sources
- Reuters: “Alyssa Carson, 20, has not been selected for a Mars mission.”
→ https://www.reuters.com/article/fact-check/alyssa-carson-20-has-not-been-selected-for-a-mars-mission-idUSL2N2NP20P - AFP Fact Check: “US teen space enthusiast has not been chosen for one-way mission to Mars.”
→ https://factcheck.afp.com/us-teen-space-enthusiast-has-not-been-chosen-one-way-mission-mars - Wikipedia: “Alyssa Carson” (biography, education, and public affiliations).
→ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alyssa_Carson - AAP FactCheck: “Mars astronaut memes boldly go beyond what’s actually happened.”
→ https://www.aap.com.au/factcheck/mars-astronaut-memes-boldly-go-beyond-whats-actually-happened/ - YouTube: “Alyssa Carson | The Mars Generation – Trailblazing in Aerospace.”
→ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdVFJ7EMGd8 - YouTube: “Alyssa Carson Interview | Youth Live 2023.”
→ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0sbGZV0d2Q - YouTube: “ITU Interviews: Alyssa Carson, space enthusiast and astrobiology student.”
→ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r01baRigcEs
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 