Echoes Across the Cosmos

Ch. 4 - Starlight Beacon

Article from NASA News on September 2nd, 2028

NASA Opening Applications for 2031 Mars Expedition

NASA announced they will be opening applications for a groundbreaking mission: the Mars Expedition 2031. The space agency is seeking exceptional candidates to join the next class of astronauts who will train for humanity's first manned mission to the Red Planet.

"We are embarking on one of the most ambitious missions in human history," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "We are looking for individuals who are not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about space exploration. These astronauts will be pioneers, leading the way for future generations and expanding our understanding of Mars."

Applicants must meet several stringent requirements, including:

U.S. Citizenship

Master's Degree in a STEM Field: This includes science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Professional Experience: At least two years of relevant professional experience or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.

Physical Fitness: Candidates must pass NASA's long-duration spaceflight physical to ensure they can withstand the rigors of space travel and the Martian environment.

Applications are opening from January 1st, 2029 until August 31, 2029. Interested candidates can find more information and apply on NASA's official astronaut application page.

December 10th, 2028

"Well, that concludes the fall semester. Good work everyone, and I hope to see you all in the next course for Advanced Mathematics!" The professor shut down his laptop screen and began to put it away in his briefcase.

I started to put my stuff away, feeling a big wave of relief overcoming me. I'm finally done with this semester, torturous as it was. I have one more semester left before I graduate with a master's degree in engineering. I obtained my bachelor's degree in the spring of 2027 in physical science (a minor in engineering). I do love these topics, but it was a lot of hard work, and I can't wait to finally be done with school.

I turned 24 this year, and it amazes me how fast time went by. I'm very glad I spent my time wisely to have good job prospects once I graduated.

I swing my bag around on my shoulder and follow the rest of the students out of the door to the classroom.

I don't have anything else going on today, so I was planning on going for a relaxing run and maybe seeing what Jane was up to. Currently, she has been working hard at the business she started a couple of months ago. She loves fashion, so she decided to open a small boutique in the city. She gets plenty of business so far, mostly from tourists. I am happy for her success, but I just miss being able to talk as often as we used to.

Once I exited the classroom, I entered the hall of the science building. The walls and ceiling were wood and had a beautiful warm feeling that shone almost golden at the natural light that shed through the large windows. I do love this building the most at my university, it's old, and I always wonder about all the people who walked through here like me now.

As I was walking through the hall to the staircase, I heard my name being called. I turn my head, and I spot one of my engineering professors, Dr. Reed. He comes jogging up to me in a sophisticated tan blazer and vest. He's around thirty years old, but one of the brightest researchers I have met in my years of study.

"Oh, hello Dr. Reed," I greet him.

He pants slightly, slowing down as he approached, "Good afternoon, Ms. Sinclair." He smiles at me as the sunlight makes his brown hair illuminate something like honey. His eyes shift between mine behind his glasses as the awkward silence floats through the air between us.