By Paola Velasco
During the 19th Conference of ANSYS Convergence 2022, San Miguel native, Engineer Manuel Retana gave a lecture about his direct work on NASA’s Artemis project.
The first Artemis launch is imminent with a projected first launch date sometime in June 2022.. At this time, the Orion spacecraft will embark on a 26-day orbit around the Moon before returning to Earth. The Artemis Mission’s goal is landing the first woman and person of color on the Moon in 2025.
This is only the first step for Artemis. The project’s longer term goal is to settle not only on the Moon but also achieving the same goal on Mars. Among the enthusiasm of finally populating celestial bodies outside the Earth are valuing natural resources on the lunar surface and building a commercial space station.
In an exclusive interview with Atención San Miguel, Retana shared some personal details about his work with NASA. He is the pride of both San Miguel and his family, being the first engineer working on international projects related to space exploration. Retana is only 27 years old with a postgraduate degree. The interview with Retana may be found below.
PV: When and where did you start dreaming of going into space?
MR: Right here in San Miguel. I went to Junior High at Leobino Zavala school and my science teacher was Víctor Manuel. One day, he shared a video from NASA, and I was fascinated. I thought, “Wow, someday I want to travel in space.” I remember walking home to my house, seeing all the stars and always thinking of how much there is out in space.
PV: What is Manuel Retana doing today?
MR: I work for NASA, in the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. I’m in charge of a laboratory where we create life support equipment for those going on missions to the Moon and to the International Space Station. We are currently working on maximizing the use of water under the premise that not a drop can be wasted in space: Today’s waste is tomorrow’s coffee.
PV: What was your academic preparation?
MR: When I finished junior high, I went to Querétaro for high school. I then studied Mechanical Engineering in the United States and did a Masters in Astro-aeronautic and Astronautic Engineering. Currently, I am working on a doctorate in Surgical Robotics.
PV: What is it like working for NASA?
MR: I began working at NASA when I was 20, during my sophomore year in college. To work there is surreal. You see astronauts walking down the corridor to the cafeteria as if it were nothing. They go into space and then return. There is a high level of engineering; the people are very dedicated to their work, and it’s also an easygoing place. Despite the place’s renown, the people are very calm, and there’s a great culture of collaboration. Everyone is ready to help and teach whenever it’s required.
PV: What advice do you have for young people who dream of going into space?
MR: They have to be their own best friends and to have confidence in themselves. To dream big. There will always be those who will say that you can’t do it, but I believed in myself and now here I am. You have to have ambition and fight for your dreams. There’s a lot of talent in Mexico and anything can be achieved. I am a 100% Sanmiguelense.
PV: Where do you see yourself in five years?
MR: I want to continue working at NASA. I have applied for the astronaut program, but I am still young. To apply, you have to be at least 30 years old, be a U.S. citizen, and have at least a master’s degree. All those who speak of their experience are very special and very well prepared.
PV: How do you feel when you return to your home in San Miguel?
MR: I’m very happy to be with my family and return to my roots. It gives me an incentive to continue working and go to space someday. My family—and especially my mother—have been very supportive. I would say that she’s the one who led me to dream about reaching the Moon someday. My mother always believed in my dreams and now here we are.
