Elsa Shiju

Elsa Shiju (born November 04, 2008), is an American student with the goal of training as an astronaut and being selected for future human spaceflight to Mars. Ever since she was a little girl, Elsa Shiju has had her heart set on the stars. At only 3 years old, she told her father, "Daddy, I want to be an astronaut, and be one of the people that go to Mars." He had no idea that this seemingly offhand statement would actually become the birth of a meaningful lifelong endeavor. At just 13 years old, Elsa's list of accomplishments include witnessing 3 Space Shuttle launches, attending Space Camp 4 times, Space Academy, Robotics Academy, Cosmosphere Camp, National Flight Academy and VA Space Flight Academy including obtaining her Open Water Scuba Certification. In addition she delivers motivational speeches to help young dreamers reach for the stars.