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“We are closer to finding life” outside Earth, says Brazilian astronaut Laysa Peixoto. During her panel appearance at CCXP23 Unlock, an invite-only edition of Comic Con Experience, Peixoto shared her experiences and scientific findings from her work at the NASA L’SPACE Academy.
At just 19 years old, Laysa Peixoto made history by becoming the first Brazilian to command an aircraft from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Currently, she works at NASA’s academy, where she focuses on developing space exploration technologies and fulfilling her dream of becoming the first Brazilian woman in space.
Peixoto is a firm believer in the possibility of intelligent life in the universe. She explains, “Scientifically speaking, we are getting closer to discovering not only life as we know it, but also forms of life that we have not yet been able to identify.” She emphasizes that there are various types of life in space, going beyond the stereotypical “smart life” often depicted in science fiction movies and TV shows.
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The presence of water, a crucial element for life, has been detected on many planets. Peixoto expresses her hope that future expeditions will lead to the discovery of life on Mars. She draws a comparison between the planet Dune and real-life astrophysical findings, highlighting the possibility of planets completely covered by water.
Peixoto’s interest in astronomy and geophysics was sparked in 2020 after attending a class taught by Nobel laureate Andrea Ghez, who was recognized for her research on black holes. Inspired by seeing someone like herself achieve scientific success, Peixoto emphasizes the importance of representation in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. She calls for increased visibility of women scientists in movies and TV shows and the portrayal of strong female characters in science fiction.
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Furthermore, Peixoto believes it is crucial to work on programs and projects that promote the history of women who have pioneered scientific breakthroughs. She explains that it is important for children and teenagers to see examples of individuals like them reaching high levels of achievement. Peixoto is aware that many women scientists have had their stories erased, and she aims to rectify this through her work and advocacy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peixoto engaged in a space-related research project, where she learned to use various software to analyze different aspects of astronomy. At just 18 years old, she discovered a new asteroid during her physics course at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Peixoto assisted the International Astronomical Search Collaboration program, which searches for celestial bodies for NASA. The asteroid she discovered was named LPS0003, with her initials on it, as is customary in the analysis of celestial bodies.
The threat of asteroids colliding with Earth is a topic that has frequently appeared in works of scientific fiction, such as the recent Netflix film “Don’t Look Up.” Peixoto emphasizes that while movies may portray the situation dramatically, there is a real possibility of an asteroid impact. Scientists constantly monitor these celestial bodies as they pass through the solar system to mitigate any potential risks.
Peixoto’s involvement with asteroid research paved the way for her acceptance into the NASA program. Despite studying physics at UFMG, she embarked on a career in astronomy with the support of Manhattan University, thanks to her involvement with NASA’s research.
In conclusion, Laysa Peixoto, a Brazilian astronaut, remains hopeful about the potential discovery of life outside Earth. Through her work at the NASA L’SPACE Academy, she seeks to advance space exploration technologies and increase representation for women in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Peixoto’s passion for science, determination, and groundbreaking contributions serve as an inspiration for future generations.
