To say that she is an astronaut, and also the first Spanish woman selected by the European Space Agency For future space missions, it is something rigorously true, but that does not define this 36 -year -old Leonese, which describes itself as shy and lonely, but above all as curious. And if it is true that, as Kant said, “an individual’s intelligence is measured by the amount of uncertainties he is capable of supporting,” then Sara García Alonso is extremely intelligent. Because he has never believed in absolute dogmas, nor has he wanted to limit himself in any aspect of his life, or put barriers to his intellectual freedom, or give up any possibility. Doctor in molecular biology, she is a researcher in the CNIO (National Center for Oncological Research) where she works in the search for personalized cancer therapies. Tireless knowledge disseminator, lecturer and, now, author of her first book (‘orbits’, in editions b), the idea of presenting himself as a candidate for astronaut came to any day, by chance. A coincidence that changed his life, again, and maybe forever.
-He says in his book that “an orbit is a path that we continue once the inertia necessary to undertake the course.” And yet he has entitled ‘orbits’, in the plural … does that mean that in his life he has already acquired several different inertia, or that he has not yet acquired any?
Inertia, that is, the engine that drives me, is always the same, curiosity, for each orbit is different, unique and unrepeatable. The essence is that there is not one, but many, and in the book I speak of the ‘six orbits’ that, in the end, define the person I am now.
-Einstein said that “it is a miracle that curiosity survives regulated education.” Do you agree with that phrase?
The two things, education and curiosity are complementary. Regulated education cannot be avoided, we all have to go to school, the institute, to the university … but it is not exclusive, there is another part of the curiosity that is not regulated, which makes us continue asking questions, and that It is something that lasts forever.
-It also says that life is a continuous bifurcation of roads, and that every time we choose one, we renounce everyone else. Do you really think it is possible to ‘not choose’? And live all lives, as in the song, ‘that of Pirate lame’ by Sabina?
Yes, I think it is possible. I refuse to choose a path rejecting others, because I think you can take many paths in parallel. I don’t like labels, nor stain something. You can live many different lives, and choose one does not imply renouncing all other possibilities.
-With 11 years, the size of the universe was already calculated … Did you know what I wanted to be?
It is possible … When rescuing that childhood notebook, I was surprised to find that data, because being an astronaut is something that I had never raised, at least consciously, although it is possible that the idea has always been there …
-Is it still a shy and lonely person?
I am introverted. And I think I have overcome shyness based on putting challenges. I really like being alone, although I have adapted to the years with many people. Shyness was a limit, a barrier that did not allow me to continue growing. And I try to destroy all my limits.
-You are also scientific disseminator. He says that “language is the most powerful and versatile tool of the human being.” Is that why has this book written?
I write from a child, newspapers and notebooks, and I have this book in mind since I was 15 years old. I made two a reality, and I started writing it. But I don’t know if I will write another in the future.
-In her book he resorts to Leelo, the beautiful protagonist of ‘The fifth element’ embodied by Milla Jovovich and that, together with Bruce Willis, turns out to be the link that joins earth, water, air and fire and thanks to which the world will be saved . What to read it in you? Curiosity? Innocence? Or, as he says in the book, ‘the ideal mixture between supermodel and space warrior’?
I used read it as a hanger, because when they selected Pablo Álvarez, my partner, already, compared to them. I redhead and he with a shaved head like Bruce Willis … Well, there was a certain resemblance. And that served me as a hanger to talk about the relationship of the elements in the chapter called precisely, ‘the fifth element’. But no, I am not that fifth element.
-The February 16, 2021, while drinking coffee, the link of a news came by WhatsApp: ‘Europe is looking for astronaut women to go to Mars’. He appeared, and here is … How was that story? How do you go from being a molecular biologist to Astronaut? Did he think he would have possibilities?
When I found the link between the work of my dreams, be biologist, and that of Astronaut, which became my new dream, I realized that there were several things that related them. On the one hand, I discovered that I had all the necessary requirements to present myself, and also the work meant continuing to investigate, which is my priority, but in space and with the most leading technologies and systems. I did not appear lightly, but I worked a lot the candidacy. I spent two months preparing it. I invested a lot of effort and yes, I hoped from the beginning. Although I discouraged a lot to see that we were 23,000 candidates for only 17 positions.
-How was the selection process?
Intense and challenging, especially from the psychological point of view. It was 18 months, with at least 100 exams of all kinds, hundreds of medical tests, and much uncertainty. People were screening in each phase. In the first, they were intelligence tests, of the 23,000 we only left 1,400. Then the medical tests arrived, and we were only 100. In the next phase, 25, and finally the 17 that we achieved, five with contract and another 12, like me, in the reserve.
–And how did he receive the great news?
The ESA director called me by phone, and he told me. He caught me while walking, as I usually do, to my work in the Cnio. I dedicated myself 30 seconds to savor it, I talked to Pablo Álvarez, who was also selected, I put my mobile in silence and went to work.
-What do you think will be your first flight?
It does not depend on me, but on opening an opportunity. That is something that the agencies decide, the first of them NASA. If a mission arises in which my profile fits, they could select me for an upcoming mission. Some fly very soon, others take years.
-What expected space? What do you think will contribute to you on a personal level?
I do not go to space for any personal reason. It is a job, and if I go it is to investigate. Doing science in space transmits a lot to society. Going beyond we can advance in the great questions of the human being. And that inspires the following generations.
-How do you prefer to read a book, in paper or in electronic format?
I prefer paper, but as I have so little time, I read while I walk to work, and in that better electronic case. Not to mention trips … In electronic format I can take many books without occupying just space.
-Would the Moon or at the bottom of the Mariana fossa be?
To the moon. I am not very friendly of the water. It is not my favorite element
– Choose: A quiet talk with a friend or friend or party with many people.
A quiet talk, always. I don’t like parties.
-And after going to space … What dreams would be pending?
If I get a space mission, endless new possibilities will open, and that uncertainty is attractive and delicious. After each step there is always another and we do not know what will be behind. I recommend the youngest: that they are brave and always continue.
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