008 - Anastasia Stepanova

As we continue honoring Women’s History Month, this episode of Aspiring Martians features Anastasia Stepanova, an analog astronaut, journalist, and scientist whose work bridges exploration, media, and human endurance. With experience in long-duration isolation experiments—including four months at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) and 240 days in a Moscow isolation experiment—Anastasia has firsthand knowledge of the mental and physical challenges of spaceflight. She has trained with Roscosmos, co-authored a book about life in extreme environments, and uses storytelling to connect space science with the public.

In this episode, we discuss giving yourself to science, pursuing space exploration in the post-Soviet era, the power of storytelling, and how to stay motivated in the toughest conditions. We also get into the realities of isolation, from unexpected challenges like peeing in front of strangers to keeping yourself busy through exercise. There's even a real life Martian pack rat named Jerry! Join us for a fascinating conversation about pushing human limits and preparing for life beyond Earth.

Special thanks to Anastasia for her incredible work, dedication, and endurance in the name of space exploration, to Nick Thorburn for the epic theme music, and to my family for supporting my Mars fascination!