
Spotlight: Eileen M. Velez-Vega
In July 2024, I became the first Puerto Rican to be inducted in the Space Camp Hall of Fame after 28 years of my participation in Space Camp (as a 10th grader from a small town in Puerto Rico). Back in 1996, my family did not have the financial resources to pay for my trip, so I sold chocolates, cakes, and my parents sold “bacalaitos” in the town’s Christmas festival. This recognition was a full circle moment for my family and me, and a testament to my journey as a young humble girl with big dreams. My nomination was sent by a former co-worker from my time as a NASA intern, a friend I’ve maintained for more than 20 years.




