007 - Laura González Llamazares

March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor the pioneers who have shaped space exploration and the future Martians who will follow in their footsteps. This week, Aspiring Martians kicks off a month-long celebration of women in space with Laura González Llamazares, an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for the next generation of female space explorers. Laura is part of Hypatia Mars, a female-led initiative dedicated to advancing Martian research, promoting space exploration, and fostering scientific vocations. Named after Hypatia of Alexandria, the first known female scientist in history, the initiative stands as a symbol of female leadership and the acknowledgment women in science have long deserved.

Laura’s career spans thermal analysis, space manufacturing, and rocket engine 3D printing, and she has worked on ESA science missions ATHENA and PLATO. She is the Co-Founder of Radian Systems, simplifying thermal analysis for space, and a mentor for young women in STEM. In this episode, she and Joe discuss the importance of role models in space, 3D printing rocket engines, what happens when you do your homework early as a kid, keeping busy on Mars, and inspiring the next generation of space pioneers.

A huge thank you to Laura for the insight and time, to Nick Thorburn for our theme music and to my family for their unwavering support in making Aspiring Martians a reality. Your encouragement, creativity, and belief in this project help fuel the dream of a future among the stars. And of course, thank you to all the listeners—your curiosity and passion for space make this journey worth taking.