Rebecca Lawler, once a hurricane hunter, and Imelda Muller, a former undersea medical officer, have embarked on a new journey as part of NASA’s 2025 astronaut class. Selected from over 8,000 applicants, these two affiliates of Johns Hopkins University are now immersed in a rigorous two-year training program designed to prepare them for future space missions.
Their selection marks a significant achievement, not only for the individuals but also for the institutions they represent. The training they are undergoing could lead them to missions in low Earth orbit, the moon, or even Mars.
From Extreme Conditions on Earth to Outer Space
Lawler and Muller have both faced some of the harshest conditions on Earth in their previous careers. Lawler, who holds a master’s degree in space systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has a background as a naval aviator and hurricane hunter. Her journey to becoming an astronaut was not straightforward, involving multiple applications to NASA and a career that spanned naval test piloting and working with United Airlines on global safety initiatives.
Muller, on the other hand, worked as an undersea medical officer through a Navy scholarship program, where she gained experience in diving and nuclear medicine. Her work at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit involved scientific research in saturation diving, a field she describes as having parallels to space exploration.
Insights from Their Journeys
In an interview, Muller reflected on her time in the Navy, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of her work and the scientific challenges she faced. “It was an environment where we worked with a lot of multidisciplinary teams. There were a lot of scientific questions we were trying to answer, and that really appealed to me,” she said.
Lawler shared her pivotal moment when an astronaut spoke at her test pilot school, sparking her interest in space missions. “Every space mission is a test flight,” she recalled, realizing that her skills as a test pilot could translate into a career as an astronaut.
The Rigors of Astronaut Training
The training program for NASA’s astronaut candidates is intensive and multifaceted, covering everything from spacewalks to robotics and language training. Muller described the comprehensive nature of the training, which includes familiarizing themselves with the International Space Station’s systems and practicing spacewalks in a swimming pool that simulates microgravity.
Lawler emphasized the excitement and challenge of learning new skills, particularly flying T-38 supersonic jets and preparing for spacewalks. “Training’s been fun. It’s a lot of studying, which is great because everything that we study is really interesting,” she noted.
Future Missions and Aspirations
Looking ahead, both women are eager to contribute to NASA’s missions, whether supporting fellow astronauts or participating in groundbreaking space exploration. Muller expressed her anticipation for the physiological experience of space travel and the unique perspective of viewing Earth from space.
Lawler, on the other hand, is focused on being a valuable team member on any mission she is assigned. “I’m just really excited to do the work and to be able to contribute in some way,” she said.
Implications for Space Exploration
This development comes at a pivotal time for NASA as it advances its Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the moon and eventually journey to Mars. The inclusion of individuals like Lawler and Muller, with their unique backgrounds and expertise, highlights the diverse skill sets needed for the future of space exploration.
According to NASA, the ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable presence on the moon will pave the way for deeper space exploration. The experience and knowledge gained from these missions are expected to contribute significantly to humanity’s understanding of space travel and the potential for life beyond Earth.
As Lawler and Muller continue their training, their journeys serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the possibilities that arise from persistence and passion in the pursuit of scientific and exploratory endeavors.
