From Here to the Stars Episode 38: Dr. Martha Lenio

From Here to the Stars | Dr. Martha Lenio on Crew Selection, Solar Energy, and Astronaut Experiences

In this episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb interviews Dr. Martha Lenio, who earned her doctorate in photovoltaic engineering from the University of New South Wales in Australia. Dr. Lenio discusses her experiences as mission commander of the NASA-funded Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS), her insights into astronaut crew selection, and her expertise in solar energy and battery technology.

Key Topics Explored in This Episode:

1. Astronaut Crew Selection and Mental Resiliency
Importance of mental resilience, teamwork, trust, and emotional self-awareness for long-duration space missions.
Personal experiences from her 2014 mission as commander of the HI-SEAS Mars simulation.
Detailed crew selection process, including leadership training and team-building through outdoor expeditions.

2. Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS)
Experiences living and working in isolation, simulating Mars exploration to study psychological effects on crews.
Realizations about personal leadership style (leading from behind) and its effectiveness in high-performing teams.
Insights from NASA’s involvement and overlap with astronaut training techniques.

3. Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Selection
Experience as one of 23 women shortlisted by the Canadian Space Agency in 2017.
Detailed overview of the extensive astronaut selection process, from initial written application to rigorous physical and mental tests.

4. Photovoltaic Engineering and Solar Cell Technology
Explanation of how solar cells work at the semiconductor physics level.
Discussion of current challenges, innovations, and future trends in solar cell efficiency and pricing.

5. Economic and Environmental Viability of Solar Energy
Comparison of solar energy costs and benefits across different geographic regions, particularly in northern Canada and the U.S.
Insights into how local electricity prices affect the viability of solar power installations.

6. Battery Technology and Energy Storage
Importance of battery advancements for renewable energy systems.
Current trends, challenges, and innovations in battery storage, including recycling and sustainability.

7. Renewable Energy Systems and the Future of Electricity
Analysis of how solar compares economically and environmentally to traditional energy sources (coal, natural gas, hydro).
Predictions for the future energy grid: a mix of solar, wind, and novel storage solutions, emphasizing localized and distributed generation.

About Dr. Martha Lenio:
Doctorate in Photovoltaic Engineering, University of New South Wales, Australia.
Mission Commander, NASA-funded HI-SEAS Mars Simulation.
Shortlisted Candidate, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Program (2017).
Expert consultant in solar energy solutions, particularly in remote northern communities.

Presented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG):The IRG is dedicated to advancing the science and engineering required for interstellar exploration. Learn more about their upcoming symposium at https://irg.space.

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