At just seven years old, Lauren Edgar experienced a pivotal moment that would forever change the trajectory of her life. While attending Discovery Elementary School in Sammamish, Washington, she had the incredible opportunity to witness a Discovery Space Shuttle launch firsthand. “Going to the launch in person, realizing there were people on board and they were leaving this planet — it made me wonder what else is out there,” Edgar reflected in a recent interview. This formative experience, combined with her passion for geology and the rich aviation and aerospace history of her upbringing, set Edgar on a remarkable path that culminated this week in a moment few ever achieve: being selected as an astronaut for NASA.
At the age of 40, Edgar is now one of only ten individuals chosen by NASA to join its 2025 astronaut candidate class. The selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, with over 8,000 applicants from across the United States vying for this prestigious opportunity this year alone. Edgar graduated from Skyline High School in Sammamish before pursuing her studies in earth sciences at Dartmouth College. She later earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate in geology from the California Institute of Technology. Her impressive academic background laid the foundation for her career at the U.S. Geological Survey, where she was part of the Astrogeology Science Center, focusing on the Earth, moon, and Mars.
Lauren Edgar’s work has been instrumental in advancing both human and robotic exploration of the solar system. She has also contributed to NASA's initiatives, serving as an investigator for the Artemis III Geology team. Edgar's contributions have helped NASA define lunar science goals and strategize for geology-related activities on the moon. While a background in geology may not be the most common path to becoming an astronaut, Edgar is in good company. Notable geologist astronauts like Jessica Watkins and Harrison H. “Jack” Schmitt, an Apollo 17 astronaut, have paved the way for others in her field.
As she embarks on her nearly two-year training program, Edgar and her fellow astronaut candidates will undergo extensive preparation. This training will cover crucial skills, including piloting, performing spacewalks, and mastering the operations of the International Space Station. Additionally, they will receive specialized instruction in areas such as geology, robotics, and language training. Although Edgar has yet to return to the Pacific Northwest since receiving her acceptance news, she expresses eagerness to reconnect with her roots and share her accomplishment with friends and family who have supported her journey. “Realizing the key role they played in my education — I just want to be able to thank everyone in person,” she stated.
Edgar is particularly enthusiastic about her training coinciding with a pivotal moment in human spaceflight. She emphasizes that a primary motivation for exploring space is to deepen our understanding of how the solar system formed and evolved, as well as humanity's role within it. Key scientific questions, such as the origins of life in the solar system, the sustainability of human presence on other planets, and the lessons we can draw from our own Earth, are central to her aspirations. “It’s very clear that the role of an astronaut is the tip of a big spear,” she noted, acknowledging the collective effort that contributes to such milestones in space exploration.
With her extensive experience, including contributions to the Mars Rover missions and the Artemis III science team, Edgar possesses a profound appreciation for the collaborative nature of space exploration. She looks forward to learning from her fellow astronaut candidates and sharing her unique insights, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her journey to the stars.
