Marcus Manglona from Guam has achieved a remarkable feat—his name is now inscribed on the moon. This honor comes through the successful lunar landing of the Blue Ghost spacecraft by Firefly Aerospace on March 2nd, which not only carried essential scientific equipment for NASA but also a commemorative plaque bearing the names of over 700 employees, including Manglona’s.
For Manglona, this accomplishment is more than a personal milestone; it holds deep emotional significance. “My parents always told me to dream for the stars,” he shared, reflecting on how he now embodies that belief by having his name included in a historic event. As a proud CHamoru individual, he expressed how meaningful it is that his family name is now part of lunar history, especially in remembrance of his late father.
Though Manglona plays a crucial role as an Electrical Ground Support Equipment technician at Firefly, he emphasizes that his contributions would not have been possible without the hard work of many. “It’s part of history now,” he said, noting how he and his colleagues celebrated the Blue Ghost’s safe landing, establishing Firefly as one of the first private companies to achieve such a feat following earlier efforts from notable nations.
Curtis Szajkovics, a systems engineer with Firefly, echoed Manglona’s excitement, stating that the nameplate will remain on the moon for millions of years. This accomplishment is not just about technological advancements—it represents a collective achievement from years of labor by everyone involved in the mission.
Looking forward, Firefly Aerospace aims to ramp up its lunar missions and is currently in the development stages for a second moon lander, which is expected to launch next year. Manglona shared that the team is also focusing on expanding their capabilities with more frequent satellite launches, demonstrating a commitment to increasing access to space.
Manglona dispels the misconception that one must be a rocket scientist to work in aerospace, encouraging aspiring professionals to pursue their interests diligently. His message to future generations is simple: “Dream big and don’t stop. Every dream can be accomplished. So if you have a dream, don’t stop chasing it.”
The story is not only an individual triumph but serves as a beacon of hope for others. It highlights the importance of believing in one’s dreams and showcases how technological advancements in space exploration can inspire collective aspirations, encouraging youth in regions like Guam to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Manglona’s journey exemplifies how perseverance can lead to extraordinary outcomes, reinforcing the idea that with dedication, anyone can leave their mark on history.
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