How Students Are Shaping the Future of Space Exploration | NASA L’Space & The Lucy Mission

Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to STARS Launch Pod — Space Technology and Research Sciences — brought to you by Starsciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I’m your host, Susan Wise.

It’s an honor to have with us Peter Ulrich, a senior studying aerospace engineering at the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. You’ve done multiple engagements with the NASA L’Space program, research with XD Labs, and development on CubeSats. You’ve got a lot going on, Peter!

Peter: Yeah — thank you. I’m so glad to be here, Susan.

Susan Wise: We’re excited to have you. Tell me a little bit more about what’s going on with you right now.

Peter: Okay — I’m currently working on a few different projects. First of all, I’m part of the L’Space organization. I’m serving as an ambassador to NASA’s Lucy Mission. Basically, my job is to go to different schools and youth groups in the area and talk to them about the Lucy Mission and what NASA is doing with it.

Additionally, I’m working with my university on building a satellite that can study tardigrades and the effects solar radiation has on them.

Susan Wise: What is a tardigrade?

Peter: A tardigrade is a microscopic microorganism. They’re sometimes called “water bears.” What’s really important about them is that they’re extremophiles — they can live in very harsh conditions.

When they encounter extreme heat, cold, lack of food or water, or even very little air, they curl up into a ball and essentially hibernate.

Susan Wise: Oh, cool.

Peter: During that hibernation, they can endure almost anything — which is why they’ve been chosen to be studied in space. They’re inexpensive to send because they’re microscopic, and they can survive the harsh conditions space puts on organisms.

Susan Wise: How will we use that in the future? Does it help with other space missions, or does it help us here on Earth?

Peter: It’s going to help a lot with space missions. The research we’re doing specifically looks at whether solar radiation affects tardigrade reproduction and population growth.

This is a starting point for studying reproduction in space. If we want people and other organisms to live in space and maintain a community, we have to understand how reproduction works there. While this hasn’t been fully studied in space yet, tardigrades are a really good starting point.

Susan Wise: We’ve got to be able to grow families if we’re going to be up there.

Peter: Absolutely. If we’re going to establish colonies on the Moon or Mars, it’s super important that we understand the science behind it, make sure it’s possible, and ensure everyone stays healthy.

Susan Wise: That’s an exciting experiment. Talk to me a little about Lucy — what’s going on with that?

Peter: Lucy is a satellite that launched a few years ago. It’s studying the Trojan asteroids in our solar system — they share Jupiter’s orbit. By studying these asteroids, we can learn more about how our solar system was formed.

Many planets have atmospheres or have been bombarded by asteroids and gases, but these Trojan asteroids have remained relatively unchanged since the solar system formed billions of years ago. They help us understand what materials built our solar system and whether they contain building blocks for life — such as carbon and water.

Susan Wise: Talk to me about one of your biggest “aha” moments on your journey.

Peter: I think my biggest “aha” moment was in high school, when I was deciding to pursue aerospace engineering and attend Embry-Riddle. An organization called True Engineers held an essay contest. The grand prize was attending the Artemis I launch.

I submitted an essay but didn’t win. Later, they sent a YouTube video announcing that — regardless of who won — all the essays were going to be placed on a microchip and sent up with Artemis I.

Knowing that my essay went around the Moon was an incredible experience for someone my age — I was 18. That moment helped cement what I wanted to do. I had been torn between mechanical engineering, aerospace, and even musical theater — but Artemis I really clarified things.

Susan Wise: That’s exciting, Peter — and now we’re looking at Artemis II any day now.

Peter: I’m very excited. I can’t wait to see what we learn. I hope there isn’t as big a gap between Artemis II and III as there was between I and II. Everyone in the space industry is excited.

Susan Wise: Talk to me about some of your biggest challenges — and how you overcame them.

Peter: Aerospace engineering is very conceptual, especially as a student. There’s a lot of math and physics, and it’s hard to see how it all fits together at first. Balancing coursework, life, job searches, and personal issues can be tough.

What helped was staying consistent, staying motivated, and joining organizations like NASA L’Space and the satellite club. When you see real-world applications of your education, it becomes easier to push through. Without those opportunities — I know many students who switched out.

Susan Wise: And I’m sure you have a strong support group.

Peter: Definitely. My family and friends have been incredibly supportive — listening to me complain about coursework and encouraging me. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them.

Susan Wise: You’re a senior — what’s next?

Peter: I have a few paths. I’m applying for jobs and also considering a master’s degree. Astronaut candidates need at least a master’s — they prefer doctorates, but I’m focusing on the master’s first. So it’s a question of doing it now or later.

Susan Wise: So being an astronaut is definitely a goal?

Peter: Absolutely. It’s not a matter of if — it’s when.

Susan Wise: Tell me more about the L’Space program.

Peter: L’Space is funded by the Lucy Mission through NASA. It teaches college students how to work professionally in a NASA environment. It’s all online, so students anywhere in the U.S. can participate.

It covers mission planning, 3D design, CAD, technical reporting, and presentations like those used at NASA. It looks great on a résumé — I know someone who completed L’Space and now works at SpaceX. After doing the program multiple times, you can qualify for ambassador roles or internships. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.

Susan Wise: It’s preparing the next generation of space explorers.

Peter: Exactly. I’d recommend it to any college student — even if NASA isn’t their ultimate goal — because it builds professionalism and communication skills.

Susan Wise: What advice would you share with our listeners?

Peter: Stay involved — join clubs, programs, and organizations — but also stay balanced. Don’t let one subject consume your entire identity. If you only focus on aerospace, you’ll burn out.

Have hobbies. Live life. That makes you better prepared for the long journey.

Susan Wise: I love that.

Peter: Some astronauts are also Olympians, musicians, or artists. You don’t need something extreme — sketching, journaling, or creative hobbies are great. They actually help your engineering journey.

Susan Wise: Do you have a passion project?

Peter: Yes — I’m also a music producer. I spent years DJing, and now I’m working on producing my first track. It helps express my creative side and balances all the analytical work. I’m mostly teaching myself, but I’m excited to release it.

Susan Wise: That’s exciting — a great balance.

Peter: Thank you.

Susan Wise: Peter, thank you for sharing your journey. We look forward to seeing everything you accomplish. Like you said — it’s not if — it’s when.

Peter: Thank you so much, Susan.

Susan Wise: Be sure to join us as we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe. Until next time — keep looking up.