Rebeca Jimenez, recognized as a 2024 Emerging Space Leader by the International Astronautical Federation, joins us to share her journey across technology, space, entrepreneurship, and STEAM education.

From participating in NASA Space Apps challenges and contributing to the Space Generation Advisory Council, to pioneering space education initiatives in Costa Rica, Rebeca is focused on making space more accessible to young people and future innovators.

In this conversation, we explore her journey into the space ecosystem, the importance of education and outreach, opportunities in the growing space sector, and her vision for the next generation of space thinkers.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Ekaterina Kostioukhina, a Harvard-trained physician, space medicine expert, and Founder of HIBERIA. Based in Houston, she is pioneering research into human hypometabolic states, including torpor and hibernation, to help make long-duration space missions possible while advancing emergency medicine and human performance on Earth.

Today’s featured visionary is Aravinda Ravibhanu, Founder and CEO of Eco Astronomy Inc., a premier multidisciplinary astronomical research institute based in Sri Lanka. A leading voice in astrobiology and planetary geology, Ravibhanu’s work dives deep into NASA’s Mars data, analyzing Experiment Data Record images from Meridiani Planum to better understand the Red Planet’s geological history.

With over 30 international research publications spanning astrobiology, paleontology, archeoastronomy, and industrial astronomy, Ravibhanu’s influence extends far beyond the lab. From global ambassador roles to supporting major space initiatives, he represents a bold, multidisciplinary force in modern space science.

This is Brilliant Brains of Space — and today, we journey into the cosmos with Aravinda Ravibhanu.