A Filipina nutritionist-dietician is breaking barriers in the field of space exploration, not only through her groundbreaking research as a dietitian scientist but also by proudly advocating for the representation of the Philippines beyond Earth's atmosphere.
The registered nutritionist not only made history as the first Filipino to be an analog astronaut but also marked her journey as the first Filipino to certified sub-orbital space flight.
As part of her work, Atienza participates in physiological and environmental studies that involve collecting test samples, such as blood, and completing surveys to help determine optimal conditions for human survival and performance in space.
"Kaming mga analog astronaut, kami po yung mga scientist so meron kaming research na ginagawa, may study kami, [at kami rin] ang mga test subject," she said.
Being a nutritionist, Atienza focuses on one of the most essential yet overlooked components of space travel which is food, emphasizing the increasing need for experts from diverse fields in the growing space industry.
"Lahat naman involve sa space, meron tayong mga space lawyer, space doctors. [As a nutrionist] para makita natin na ang tamang pagkain para sa mga astronaut, so lahat pwedeng maging involved sa space exploration," Atienza shared.
Atienza’s passion for nutrition in terms of science aligns with her advocacy to expand public knowledge about astronomy and encourage more Filipinos, especially the youth, to consider careers in space science.
"Sa lahat po, lalo na sa mga kabataan na nangangarap na maging astronaut, dati noong bata rin naman ako parang dahil of course sa Philippines parang dati wala naman tayong space agency pero ngayon meron na tayo," she stated.
She also highlighted the growth of commercial space flight, pointing out how opportunities are no longer limited to astronauts from NASA or European space agencies. With private sector involvement, space travel is becoming more accessible.
"Lahat po ngayon pwede ng pumasok sa commercial space flight basta may means kayo... kahit anong profession pwedeng-pwede maging astronaut,” Atienza shared.
"For space flight naman po, ngayon hindi lang yung NASA or Europe ang pwedeng magpadala ng mga o yung government nila yung magpadala sa outer space. May tinatawag tayong commercial space mission. Hindi na lang siya pure government funded meron ng pumapasok na private sector sa space," she added.
Moreover, driven by her personal dream and a nationalistic mission, Atienza’s work reflects a deep desire to uplift Philippine representation in global space initiatives.
"Ang advocacy ko rin of course ay mapalawak yung kaalaman natin sa astronomiya and even sa lahat ng sciences," she said.
"Hopefully makita natin yun isang Filipina astronaut kaya ginawa ko rin talaga yung sub-orbital space flight. I really want to give opportunities or for us to have way means para makarating yung Philippine flag sa outer space. ‘Yun po ang pangarap ko talaga," she concluded.
Atienza’s astronomy journey inspires hope that one day, a Filipino astronaut will soar beyond the Earth and raise the Philippine flag.
"I really want to give opportunities for us to have way means para makarating yung Philippine flag sa outer space ‘yun po ang pangarap ko talaga," Atienza ended.
