Season 2 Episode 6 Recap: Guardian of the Galaxy: An Interview with a Real-Life Astronaut Wrangler

November 6, 2023

Welcome to the latest recap of Velo3D’s Laser Focused podcast, where host Renette Youssef interviews the extraordinary Christina Korp. Through their engaging conversation, listeners embark on a cosmic journey from the star-studded world of entertainment to the mysteries of outer space.

Introducing the ‘Astronaut Wrangler’

Christina Korp is no ordinary guest. With titles like space advisor, founder of ‘Space For A Better World‘, president of Purpose Entertainment, and intriguingly, the “Astronaut Wrangler”, Christina’s path to space is anything but mundane. She describes her transition from a career in entertainment to managing the iconic Buzz Aldrin, revealing the quirky circumstances of their first meeting and her immersion into outer space.

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Buzz Aldrin: The Man Beyond the Legend

Peeling back the layers, Christina shares a glimpse of the man behind the famous name. Buzz Aldrin, the second human to set foot on the moon, was both childlike in his curiosity and an “extremely awkward engineer”. Their dynamic over a decade showcased the genuine camaraderie between astronauts and the shared vision to explore the unknown.

Space Curiosity: It’s Not All About Genius

Renette and Christina delve deep into the nature of curiosity. While the world often perceives space professionals as genius-level intellects, Christina demystifies this, emphasizing the boundless curiosity that propels many into the space sector. It’s this unquenchable thirst for knowledge, rather than mere intelligence, that unites space enthusiasts.

2020: From World Crisis to A New Space Venture

Amidst the global turmoil of 2020, while many were grappling with the pandemic’s “new normal”, Christina launched ‘Space For A Better World’. This initiative aimed at harnessing digital platforms to raise awareness of female astronauts and pioneers in the space world. Christina’s tenacity and adaptability shine through as she narrates her journey from entertainment back to space, and her mission to continue spreading space inspiration.

The STEM Debate: Why It Might Be Missing the Mark

One of the most thought-provoking segments of the episode is Christina’s take on the STEM movement. She challenges the current narrative, stressing the importance of blending creativity with technical acumen. It’s not about sidelining Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math but recognizing the equally vital role of arts and innovative thinking in space exploration and beyond.

Listen to the Full Episode

This episode is a treasure trove of insights, anecdotes, and food for thought. As Christina Korp takes listeners from her entertainment industry past to her space-centric present, it becomes clear that the journey to the stars is filled with more than just rockets; it’s paved with passion, curiosity, and creativity.

To dive deeper into this conversation between Renette and Christina, don’t miss out on the full episode of Laser Focused. It’s a cosmic ride you won’t want to miss!

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About the Author

Amir Iliaifar

Director of Content

Amir Iliaifar is the Director of Content at Velo3D where he oversees the production and distribution of Velo3D’s global digital content marketing initiatives. Prior to joining the company, Amir worked for a leading professional drone manufacturer, several SaaS companies, and as an automotive tech journalist. He holds a Master of Arts in Digital Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.