Exploring Space, Inspiring Earth
By combining mental health, art, analog astronaut research, and bioastronautics, we harness insights from space exploration to inspire individuals and advance mental well-being. Through public speaking engagements, events, and interactive workshops, we facilitate knowledge-sharing, encourage creative expression, and cultivate a collaborative community centered on personal development and resilience.
Orlando-based psychotherapist, analog astronaut, and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, Sharife Gacel explores the intersection of psychology, space, and awe.
She’s served as Medical Officer at HI-SEAS, supported major analog missions in Vienna, and now contributes to the Austrian Space Forum’s Human Factors team. She’s also the founder of the Blue Marble Project, guided by her mission: Exploring Space, Inspiring Earth.
Her core idea: Awe isn’t just a feeling - it’s a tool for resilience.
Sharife shares how moments like watching a rocket launch or seeing Saturn through a telescope can reduce stress, shift perspective, and strengthen mental well-being - through science, evidence-based therapy techniques, and stories from her missions.
(Use code "SHARIFE10" for 10% off tickets)
2025 Impact Report
In 2025, Blue Marble Project reached over 1.1 million people, delivered 600+ hours of mental health care, supported global analog astronaut research across 25 countries, and brought awe-based space science to thousands. A HUGE thank you to our collaborators and partners that help make this possible.
To view the 2025 Impact Report in full, please click the image for a downloadable pdf.
