About Us
The STORIES of Space project (Story SD Card Testing On-Board Research on the International Space Station Experiment and Survey) sends the written word to space, re-igniting scientific literacy and conducting a scientific experiment, collecting data to determine the ideal data storage hardware for future commercial space applications.
MISSION 01 launched more than 300 human-written stories to the International Space Station from August 2023 to April 2024. MISSION 01 was carried on a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft payload launched on an Antares rocket through Aegis Aerospace. MISSION 02 launched hundreds of human stories on a Zero-G zero gravity flight. MISSION 03 sub-orbital launch demonstration was successfully completed last month in November 2025, sending the collection of legacy stories on a T-Minus Engineering rocket with Maritime Launch Services, Canada’s first commercial spaceport. MISSION 03 focused on stories from Canada’s provinces and native lands, in addition to the stories of global contributors.
MISSION 01 Project Plan
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Stories of Space Team
Beth Mund
Executive Director
Beth Mund is an analog astronaut, CEO of Stellar Communications, former NASA communications officer, keynote speaker, and space communicator. At NASA, she served as a public affairs officer and International Space Station communications officer. As an analog astronaut, she served on two (2) simulated missions; one to Mars at the HI-SEAS research facility in Hawaii, and a lunar simulation in Poland at the Lunares Research Station. Beth is the weekly host of the “Casual Space” podcast, providing “intimate conversations each week with astronauts and authors, scientists and CEOs, looking to share their love for space exploration while helping to inspire the next generation of difference makers.” Beth Mund works passionately to connect people to space exploration through her projects, her podcast, and her in-person programs.
Mund currently serves on the Space Camp Alumni Board and the Space Drinks Association. She is a founding board member of the Women’s Leadership Alliance at her alma mater, Loras College. For more information, visit www.bethmund.com.
Alex Martin
Digital Communications Specialist, Treasurer
Alex Martin is a seasoned professional in the realm of communications technology and media production, boasting over 30 years of expertise as a systems administrator, audio/video producer, and technical director. From software development to video production to event management, Alex has developed his skills, both on stage and behind the scenes, across a diverse array of mediums and formats.
Central to Alex's character is his commitment to empowering clients to articulate their visions, foster audience engagement, and convey compelling narratives. His calm demeanor, clear communication, and collaborative approach make him a valuable asset in any realm of media production.
Charlene Stackle
Secretary & Board Member
Charlene “Char” Stackle is a director of operations with 20+ years of experience in leadership, operations, and creative collaboration. She brings an appreciation for storytelling alongside a practical talent for organizing people, projects, and ideas.
As Secretary and Board Member for STORIES of Space, Char helps keep the team connected, organized, and moving toward its goals.
Anjali Rajagopal
Intern, Social Media & Interactive Design
Anjali Rajagopal is a senior at St. Charles North High School who aspires to pursue Biomedical Engineering integrated with space research. She is deeply involved in the community through fundraising and volunteering, and is passionate about public speaking. As Ambassador and Social Media Manager for STORIES of Space, Anjali shines a light on the storytellers from around the world who make up the STORIES database, as well as our MISSION 06 partners: Uplift Aerospace, which provided cutting-edge technology and contributions from its partner schools and groups, and artist Dr. Sian Proctor, whose original art helped bring the mission to life.
She has also contributed to the STORIES website with the goal of expanding STORIES’s youth outreach through interactive games. Her creative work and strong communication skills have invited people of all ages to connect their stories to space.