Anna (Hanna Sav) Harutyunyan, is an Armenian engineer and robotics student who recently made history as Armenia’s first analog astronaut!

In this episode, she joins host Beth Mund on the Casual Space Podcast to share her experiences in analog space missions, her academic journey, and her upcoming projects. Anna’s on a mission to inspire people in Armenia, and around the world, to explore space.

As you listen in, you’ll hear how Anna first connected with the analog astronaut community through the Austrian Space Forum, where she supported ground operations before stepping into a mission role. Her journey is one of resilience, from overcoming visa challenges to working in a fully immersive habitat under challenging conditions without sunlight. Anna’s analog mission required her to step into tasks involving high-tech rovers, maintaining equipment, and simulating life on another planet.

Beyond her analog experiences, Anna is pursuing a degree in Robotics and Engineering, which fuels her passion for combining robotics, AI, and quantum computing to push the boundaries of space exploration. She recently announced plans to launch Rocket Space Academy, a training ground for future analog astronauts, focusing on creating accessible training opportunities for aspiring space enthusiasts from Armenia and other underrepresented regions.

About Anna (Hanna Sav) Harutyunyan:
Anna’s journey began in Armenia, where she excelled in engineering and dreamed of participating in space missions. Her dedication led her to become the first Armenian analog astronaut, a trailblazer in combining STEM fields with hands-on analog mission experience. She is currently a robotics student advocating for STEM education and international cooperation in space exploration.

Resources Mentioned:

• Austrian Space Forum – Learn more about analog missions and ground operations.

• Rocket Space Academy (Coming Soon) – An academy dedicated to training future analog astronauts in Armenia.

• Check out Hanna’s photo from Vogue photographer https://www.vogue.com/photovogue/photographers/19692/gallery#4827241

Connect with Hannah:

• LinkedIn: @hannasavme

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Samantha Christensen, a long-time team member at Lowell Observatory, shares the exciting news about the grand opening of the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. As Northern Arizona’s first science center, the 40,000-square-foot facility offers a major upgrade with cutting-edge exhibits, interactive experiences, and an immersive space for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. Samantha discusses the community’s excitement, especially among educators, and highlights how this new center will serve not only Flagstaff but also underserved communities, including the nearby Navajo and Hopi reservations.

About Samantha Christensen: Samantha Christensen leads Lowell Observatory’s outreach team and oversees its programs. She is a principal member of the group designing the experiences guests will enjoy in Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center, slated to open in 2024.

Christensen, who began participating in Lowell’s outreach programs at the age of four, officially joined the staff in 2009. Before stepping into her current role, she served as Educator, Supervisor, Education Coordinator, and Outreach Manager. She also spent several years working as a research assistant under the direction of Dr. David Schleicher. As Education Coordinator, Christensen designed and launched the Lowell Observatory Camps for Kids (LOCKs) – Preschool program and developed many of the lessons associated with the LOCKs – Elementary School camps.

Christensen graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in applied mathematics.

Resources Mentioned:

• Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory

• Lowell Observatory’s website: Lowell.edu

Connect with Lowell Observatory:

• Website: Lowell.edu
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share, I’d love to hear it!

You can follow and share in the socials,

• LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast

• Facebook - @casualspacepodcast

• Instagram - @casualspacepodcast

• YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83

or email me at beth@casualspacepodcast.com.

*Remember!!! You can send your story to space TODAY! The window for STORIES of Space Mission 03 is NOW OPEN! Send your story, for free, to www.storiesofspace.com

Corbett Hoenninger, General Manager of Argotec Inc., has quite the space career. From training astronauts at NASA to helping lead the Dream Chaser’s drop tests (including a memorable crash landing), Corbett shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of space exploration.

Corbett talks about the recent NASA DART mission, (giving an asteroid a nudge), and how small satellites are changing the game in space. Corbett started working in the field of psychology, then shifted to aerospace engineering… and combining both to present this great philosophy of being “fearless, but not reckless,” Corbett proves that you don’t have to be a scientist or an engineer to make your mark in the space industry. Sometimes, you just need a spark of curiosity and the courage to explore.

About Corbett Hoenninger: Corbett Hoenninger is the General Manager of Argotec Inc., where he leads exciting projects in small satellite technology and space exploration. His extensive career includes years at NASA Mission Control, where he trained astronauts and worked on mission preparation. Corbett played a pivotal role in the Dream Chaser atmospheric drop tests and was part of the NASA DART mission, where they successfully redirected an asteroid. His journey to aerospace engineering started after serving in the Navy and earning degrees in aerospace and physics. Passionate about mentoring and sharing his experiences, Corbett continues to inspire future space enthusiasts.

Where to Find Corbett:

• LinkedIn: Corbett Hoenninger

• Website: Argotec Group

• Email: corbett.hoenninger@us.argotecgroup.com

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share, I’d love to hear it!

You can follow and share in the socials,

• LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast

• Facebook - @casualspacepodcast

• Instagram - @casualspacepodcast

• YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83

or email me at beth@casualspacepodcast.com.

*Remember!!! You can send your story to space TODAY! The window for STORIES of Space Mission 03 is NOW OPEN! Send your story, for free, to www.storiesofspace.com