NASA Releases Its First Graphic Novel For Free To Inspire Future Astronauts
Image via NASA
For National Comic Book Day on Saturday, NASA released its own take on a graphic novel, entitling it First Woman.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the space agency if it didn’t somehow involve space. The story, spanning 40 pages, focuses on Callie Rodriguez, who is the first (fictional) woman to explore the Moon.
“The story of Callie captures how passion, dedication, and perseverance allow us to turn our dreams into reality,” states Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator. “Callie, much like myself, grew her skills, seized learning opportunities, and overcame challenges to become a NASA astronaut.”
Image via NASA
NASA needs more astronauts for future missions, and this could be quite the effective way to pitch its journeys, the Artemis ones in particular, to an audience teeming with potential future space explorers. In the comic, “NASA technologies for traveling to, landing on, and exploring the Moon” are given the spotlight alongside the protagonist.
Additionally, readers can use their devices to merge the print and digital worlds for an even more immersive experience. There’s a dedicated app for both Android and iOS that will allow users to “explore life-sized environments and 3D objects” by scanning XR codes.
Image via NASA
These environments include the Orion spacecraft, and, of course, the Moon. Following this, there are also chances to virtually participate in NASA missions, play minigames, and access educational videos.
But if just reading the novel as-is is your preferred style, the PDF is available to download on the dedicated First Woman website. There’s also an audiobook version, uploaded on Soundcloud. A Spanish version of the novel is reportedly in the works, too.
This is only the first issue in what NASA appears to promise is a series of similar novels. As Derek Wang, director of communications for the Space Technology Mission Directorate, puts it: “From space fans of all ages to hardworking educators looking for new ways to get students excited about STEM, we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
It’s #NationalComicBookDay and we’re celebrating with the official release of “First Woman, NASA’s Promise for Humanity" 💫
— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) September 25, 2021
This graphic novel and interactive experience tells the story of fictional character Callie Rodriguez—the first woman on the Moon: https://t.co/dTSOnmTOVC pic.twitter.com/rtghPuzvpo
[via Engadget, images via NASA]
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