Reimagining Space Exploration Through Innovation and Access

NASA mission leader, astronomer, and advocate for democratized space research

  • • $20M NASA mission

  • • 37 students trained

  • • 1,000+ astronomers surveyed

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Research At A Glance

  • Principal Investigator, Aspera Mission - mapping the universe's missing matter

  • Pioneering small satellite astronomy and cost effective space research

  • Training the next generation of space scientists

Learn more about the Aspera Mission →
Poverty in Astronomy Collective Research →

Hear about Carlos’ Work on KOLD

  • A cartoon scarecrow with a straw hat, orange hair, and overalls standing in a field of sunflowers.

    Groundbreaking Research

    Leading breakthrough space science through innovative small satellite missions and cost-effective approaches. My lab pioneers new methods for mapping the universe's hidden matter while training the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

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  • Black and white illustration of a cat sitting on a skateboard

    Beyond the Lab

    Addressing systemic barriers in astronomy through the Poverty in Astronomy Collective and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. Working to ensure talented minds can pursue space science careers regardless of financial circumstances.

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  • Two people sitting and talking, with a speech bubble containing ellipsis between them.

    Public Speaking

    Fourteen years of experience delivering keynotes, workshops, and presentations on space science, leadership under constraints, and breaking barriers in STEM. Available for corporate events, academic conferences, and public talks.

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  • Black-and-white line drawing of a person climbing a mountain using a rope, with a flag at the mountain's peak.

    Support

    Join our mission to advance space science through innovation and expanded access. Your investment supports student research, next-generation mission development, and initiatives that accelerate progress in space exploration.

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TESTIMONIALS

  • “I've been so fortunate to have worked with Carlos for nearly a decade. He is an ambitious thinker, an inspiring leader, and has a clear vision to address big questions in space science. Carlos inspires the people around him to do their best work, providing the incentives, support, and structure to bring out extraordinary talent.”

    – Prof. Erika Hamden, Director of University of Arizona Space Institute, Aspera Deputy PI

  • “Carlos' leadership provided an environment that was not only truly collaborative, but also extremely productive and invigorating. He brought the project to life for all of us, and compelled us to be the best we could be regardless of job title or background. His is a leadership style all project managers and principal investigators should strive to achieve! I'm honored to have worked with Carlos.”

     – Kerry Gonzales, former Aspera systems engineer, current technical project manager of the NSF NICHE Project.

  • “Carlos is a supportive mentor, exceptional researcher, and strong advocate for equity and inclusion in STEM. He actively supported my professional development, assigning me leadership roles on the Aspera mission and helping guide me through the faculty job application process. Carlos understands the importance of fostering community and belonging to improve persistence in STEM.”

    – Prof. Nicole Melso, former Aspera postdoc, current faculty member at Rochester Institute of Technology