Introduction

In an inspiring tale that feels like something straight out of a science fiction novel, a remarkable young woman from Edmonton has captivated the world with her groundbreaking work in space technology. At just 21 years old, Madison Feehan has already dedicated five years to NASA, blazing a trail that’s truly out of this world.

Early Fascination with Space

Madison's fascination with space began in her teenage years, igniting a passion that would set her on a path to become a pioneer in space exploration. “Going into space exploration and space science wasn’t something I’d ever predicted for my career,” Feehan reflected. However, her journey took flight in the 9th grade when she actively sought ways to commercialize ideas with NASA.

NASA Experience and Role

For the last five years, she has worked as part of the NSPIRES initiative at NASA, where she serves as an executive panellist and peer reviewer. “It was a bit of a culture shock,” she admits, “but I was excited to dive into reviewing technology proposals aimed to advance space missions.”

Entrepreneurial Venture - Space Copy

While her work at NASA is impressive, Feehan’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her startup company, Space Copy, which she founded and leads as CEO. The company is dedicated to developing innovative 3D printers that can fabricate necessary infrastructure in extreme environments, including the harsh conditions found on the Moon and beyond.

Impact of 3D Printing

“Transportation and the creation of resources for astronauts is a massive strain on budgets,” she explained. “But with our 3D printing technology, we can potentially reduce costs by up to 70 percent by using materials found on site.”

Innovative Breakthroughs

In a remarkable breakthrough, Space Copy has formulated a method to convert lunar soil into viable construction materials. “We’re not just thinking about bricks for habitats; we’re looking at everything from launch pads to precision tools,” Feehan elaborated. To demonstrate the technology, she showcased a small brick made from a lunar soil analogue sourced near the Kennedy Space Center, claiming it is '99.7 percent accurate to the material recovered during the Apollo 16 mission.'

Recognition and Awards

The past two years have been a whirlwind for Feehan, with over 60 conferences attended globally to present her work. Recently, Space Copy earned the prestigious (Buzz) Aldrin Family Foundation Global Innovation Award, marking a significant recognition of her contributions to the field.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Madison and her team have ambitious plans. They aim to send a 3D printer to the Moon’s surface by 2031, coinciding with NASA's upcoming Artemis mission, which promises to further humanity's presence on the lunar surface.

Conclusion

Despite her mounting accolades and unprecedented achievements, Madison remains grounded. “Sometimes, my team and I can hardly believe how far we’ve come, and how quickly,” she confessed. “It’s a privilege to work in a challenging ecosystem, especially as a young woman.”