Latest news with #TitanSpace
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
All you need to know about the Brazilian woman NASA fact-checked over viral mars and moon mission claims
A viral Instagram post by Brazilian influencer Laysa Peixoto claiming she had been selected as a "career astronaut" for future Moon and Mars missions has drawn sharp criticism—and an official denial—from NASA. On June 5, Peixoto shared a photo of herself in NASA-branded attire with the New York City skyline in the background, declaring she was part of the astronaut class of 2025 and had completed astronaut training in 2022. She also claimed she was joining a 2029 spaceflight led by former NASA astronaut Bill McArthur through private firm Titan Space. The post garnered over 83,000 likes and positioned her as Brazil's first female astronaut, but NASA quickly discredited her claims. In a public statement, the agency clarified that Peixoto is 'not a NASA employee, principal investigator, or astronaut candidate,' and that her only involvement was a student workshop, not formal employment or training. 'It would be inappropriate to claim NASA affiliation,' the agency added. Further questions arose around Peixoto's academic credentials. The Federal University of Minas Gerais confirmed she was dismissed in 2023, while Columbia University denied she had ever enrolled, contradicting her claim of pursuing a master's in quantum computing. Her since-deleted LinkedIn also listed unverifiable affiliations with NASA, MIT, and Germany's Max Planck Society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like After 35 Years, Her Jewelry Is Nearly Gone The Heritage Journal Read More Undo Titan Space initially acknowledged her but later clarified she is not listed among the astronauts for its planned 2029 mission. The company, which lacks FAA approval for human spaceflight, offers commercial flights for a fee or by invitation. Their official press release did not include Peixoto's name, and no further details of her involvement have been made public. Following the backlash, Peixoto's team released a statement insisting she never claimed NASA selected her, but evidence later showed her Instagram post had been edited. Her case serves as a cautionary tale about self-promotion in the age of social media, where inflated claims can quickly collide with institutional standards and public accountability. Live Events
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
NASA gives reality check to woman who claimed to be an astronaut in a viral Instagram post
A Brazilian woman's claim of becoming a 'career astronaut' after alleged NASA training has sparked controversy and a sharp correction from NASA itself. Laysa Peixoto , 23, took to Instagram to announce her supposed selection for future Moon and Mars missions of NASA. She claimed that she was part of the astronaut class of 2025. The now-viral post paired with images of her in NASA-branded attire has gained widespread attention. In response to her post, NASA issued a firm public statement, saying Peixoto is neither an astronaut candidate nor is she affiliated with the agency. NASA has effectively discredited her claims. Instagram post that drew sharp response from NASA On June 5, Peixoto posted a photo of herself wearing a NASA shirt against the New York City skyline. In her caption, she declared she had completed astronaut training in 2022 and was selected to fly future missions to the Moon and Mars. She further claimed to be joining a 2029 spaceflight by private company Titan Space, led by veteran NASA astronaut Bill McArthur. The post received over 83,000 likes and positioned her as the first Brazilian woman selected for space missions which stirred excitement and curiosity across social media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo NASA responds firmly NASA swiftly addressed the claims, stating Peixoto is 'not a NASA employee, principal investigator, or astronaut candidate.' They clarified that her only involvement was in a student workshop and that she held no formal position or title within the agency. 'It would be inappropriate to claim NASA affiliation as part of this opportunity,' the agency stated in a message to the Daily Mail and dismissed any implication of an official astronaut status. Education and career claims questioned Further investigation revealed discrepancies in Peixoto's academic background. The Federal University of Minas Gerais confirmed she was dismissed in 2023 after failing to register for the semester. Additionally, Peixoto claimed she was enrolled in a quantum computing master's program at Columbia University, but the Ivy League school reported no records of her attendance. These revelations further undermined her credibility and fuelled skepticism surrounding her space aspirations. Titan Space confirms, then clarifies Titan Space, a private company yet to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for human spaceflight had acknowledged Peixoto's association but confirmed she is not on the official list of astronauts for its 2029 inaugural mission. The company has not clarified the nature of her role, if any, and remains largely silent on the extent of her involvement beyond a general mention in Brazilian media. Peixoto's team issues clarification after backlash Amid growing criticism, Peixoto's publicist released a statement asserting that she never claimed to be a NASA astronaut. According to the statement, her Instagram post referred only to her selection by Titan Space, and the reference to NASA was in relation to McArthur, the mission's commander. They also argued that the original post had not been edited. It is a claim later contradicted by evidence that the post had indeed been modified. A cautionary tale for Instagram influencers This incident highlights the growing tension between self-promotion and institutional integrity in the social media age. NASA's prompt and public response underscores its commitment to maintaining credibility and accuracy in astronaut representation. Meanwhile, Peixoto's story serves as a reminder that in the world of science and space, titles like 'astronaut' come with rigorous qualifications — not just social media influence and also not to grab attention by any means.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
NASA's response to glam 'astronaut' who said she's headed to space
A young woman who claimed she was picked to be a 'career astronaut' has gotten blowback from NASA about her questionable credentials. The controversy started on June 5 when Laysa Peixoto, 23, took to Instagram to reveal that she was chosen to fly missions to the Moon and Mars after completing NASA astronaut training in 2022. The Brazilian native went on to explain that she was going to join Titan Space's inaugural flight in 2029, which will be led veteran NASA astronaut Bill McArthur. 'It hasn't fully sunk in yet, but I feel immense gratitude for the entire journey I've taken so far and for everyone who has been and is a part of it,' Laysa wrote on the post, which was accompanied by a photo of her taken in a NASA shirt with the New York City skyline in the background. 'I was selected to become a career astronaut, working on manned space flights to private space stations, and for future manned missions to the Moon and Mars,' Laysa said, while adding that she is 'officially an astronaut in the class of 2025'. 'It is a great joy to represent Brazil as an astronaut in such a decisive era of space exploration, which will change the history of humanity forever,' she continued. 'It is an honor to carry the Brazilian flag with me as the first Brazilian woman to cross this frontier.' However, Laysa's claims drew a ruthless response from NASA itself. 'While we generally do not comment on personnel, this individual is not a NASA employee, principal investigator, or astronaut candidate,' NASA said in a statement provided to the Daily Mail, saying she was involved in 'a workshop for students' that 'is not an internship or job at NASA'. 'It would be inappropriate to claim NASA affiliation as part of this opportunity.' Titans Space, which does not have a license from the Federal Aviation Administration to host human spaceflight, confirmed Laysa's participation to Brazilian news outlet Metropoles. However, she is not on the list of astronauts for the potential flight. Laysa attended the Federal University of Minas Gerais but was dismissed in 2023 when she failed to register for the second semester, the school confirmed to Metropoles. Laysa also claimed that she was enrolled in an Application of Computing and Quantum Physics master's degree program at Columbia University. But the Ivy League school told the media outlet that it did not have any records of Laysa attending. Laysa sought to clear any confusion that her Instagram may have caused in a press release statement that was obtained by Brazilian outlet. O Tempo. 'In the announcement made on Instagram, the only statement given so far (June 11), having not checked any interview so far, Laysa explains that she was selected as an astronaut by the private company Titans Space,' Laysa's publicist said. 'At no time is there a mention of NASA, or that it would be an astronaut from the agency. The post was never edited.' However, the Instagram post, which has more than 83,000 likes, had been edited. The press release also indicated that Laysa doesn't have any direct ties to NASA. 'It's explicit and clear: Laysa was selected to become a career astronaut by Titans Space, which will have as mission commander, Bill McArthur, a veteran NASA astronaut - the only mention made about NASA in the post,' the note mentions. The Daily Mail has reached out to Laysa for comment.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
NASA's ruthless response to glamorous 'astronaut' who said she's headed to space
A young woman who claimed she was picked to be a 'career astronaut' has gotten blowback from NASA about her questionable credentials. The controversy started on June 5 when Laysa Peixoto, 23, took to Instagram to reveal that she was chosen to fly missions to the moon and Mars after completing NASA astronaut training in 2022. The Minas Gerais native went on to explain that she was going to join Titan Space's inaugural flight in 2029, which will be led veteran NASA astronaut Bill McArthur. 'It hasn't fully sunk in yet, but I feel immense gratitude for the entire journey I've taken so far and for everyone who has been and is a part of it,' Peixoto wrote on the post, which was accompanied by a photo of her taken in a NASA shirt with the New York City skyline in the background. 'I was selected to become a career astronaut, working on manned space flights to private space stations, and for future manned missions to the Moon and Mars,' Peixoto said, while adding that she is 'officially an astronaut in the class of 2025. 'It is a great joy to represent Brazil as an astronaut in such a decisive era of space exploration, which will change the history of humanity forever,' she continued. 'It is an honor to carry the Brazilian flag with me as the first Brazilian woman to cross this frontier.' However, Peixoto's claims drew a ruthless response from NASA itself. 'While we generally do not comment on personnel, this individual is not a NASA employee, principal investigator, or astronaut candidate,' NASA said in a statement provided to the Daily Mail, saying she was involved in 'a workshop for students' that 'is not an internship or job at NASA.' 'It would be inappropriate to claim NASA affiliation as part of this opportunity.' Titans Space, which does not have a license from the Federal Aviation Administration to host human spaceflight, confirmed Peixoto's participation to Brazilian news outlet Metropoles. However, she is not on the list of astronauts for the potential flight. Peixoto attended the Federal University of Minas Gerais but was dismissed in 2023 when she failed to register for the second semester, the school confirmed to Metropoles. Peixoto also claimed that she was enrolled in an Application of Computing and Quantum Physics master's degree program at Columbia University. But the Ivy League school told the media outlet that it did not have any records of Peixoto attending. Peixoto sought to clear any confusion that her Instagram may have caused in a press release statement that was obtained by Brazilian outlet. O Tempo. 'In the announcement made on Instagram, the only statement given so far (June 11), having not checked any interview so far, Laysa explains that she was selected as an astronaut by the private company Titans Space,' Peixoto's publicist said. 'At no time is there a mention of NASA, or that it would be an astronaut from the agency. The post was never edited.' However, the Instagram post, which has more than 83,000 likes, had been edited. The press release also indicated that Peixoto doesn't have any direct ties to NASA. 'It's explicit and clear: Laysa was selected to become a career astronaut by Titans Space, which will have as mission commander, Bill McArthur, a veteran NASA astronaut - the only mention made about NASA in the post,' the note mentions.
