Sharon Hagel (and Marc at the end of the episode): SpaceKids Global and The First Married Couple to go to space on a commercial vehicle‪!‬ The Astro Ben Podcast

In this captivating episode, Sharon Hagle, the CEO and Founder of SpaceKids Global, takes us on a journey beyond our atmosphere. We delve into Sharon's recent spaceflight experience on Blue Origin's NS-20, where she and her husband, Marc Hagle, made history as the first married couple to venture into space together on a commercial vehicle.
The conversation explores the profound impact of the overview effect, providing a visceral sense of the change in the air upon returning to Earth. Sharon shares the unique perspective and inspiration gained from witnessing our planet from space, emphasising the transformative power of the experience.
Highlighting their addiction to spaceflight, Sharon and Marc express their enthusiasm for returning to space with Blue Origin on a future flight. What sets this upcoming journey apart is their commitment to bringing the magic of space to the next generation. The couple plans to take a group of eight kids along for the launch, embodying the mantra "if you can see it, you can be it." This mission aligns with SpaceKids Global's core mission of inspiring students in STEAM+ Environment education and ensuring equal representation for girls in the space industry.
Towards the end of the episode, Marc makes a special appearance, adding his perspective and enthusiasm for the upcoming space adventure. The episode paints a vivid picture of Sharon and Marc's dedication to space exploration, education, and the belief that exposing children to such experiences can ignite a passion for STEM fields and the boundless possibilities of the universe.
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:08 Intro to Episode
00:25 Sharon Hagle
01:16 Models and love of space
02:05 Blue Origin - when it actually happened!
03:22 Unexpected (and comfy) delays
05:21 First married couple on commercial vehicle!
06:33 The ascent
08:11 The overview effect
10:32 Space Kids Global
13:34 Keeping Kids interested in STEM
16:22 Girl Scouts USA
17:30 New initiatives
19:10 Artemis Generation
20:18 Origin Story
23:04 Virgin Galactic
24:15 Capturing Imaginations
25:58 Advice to young people
27:00 Highlight of Space Kids Global
28:26 Welcoming Mark!
29:20 Mark’s Experience 
30:55 Space Travel
31:50 SpaceX and the impact of private space companies
36:10 How has been married effected their marriage?
38:20 8 Kids plus parents can see a Blue launch!
39:41 Wrap Ups and Socials
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Website: https://www.spacekids.global/
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