Reaching for the stars can refer to any kind of lofty ambition, but sometimes it can be taken literally. An impressive number of Costa Ricans have launched careers that found them closer to outer space than most of us will ever get. The story of their career achievements is told in a book entitled “To the Stars: Costa Rica at NASA,” published by the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC).

Another inspiring TEC publication focuses on female success stories in diverse spheres of science and technology. “The Intrepids: Costa Rican Women in Science and Technology” traces their career milestones and challenges encountered along the way.

Ordering information and an excerpted description for each book appears below,

E-books

Hacia las estrellas: Costa Rica en la NASA/To the stars: Costa Rica in NASA
(bilingual Spanish/English)

Bruce James Callow, Ana Luisa Monge-Naranjo

“This book is dedicated to the new generations of Costa Ricans: children, youth and adults, in the hope that it may expand their knowledge about the legacy of opportunities that has been created by a group of visionary Costa Ricans. … Successfully planning and achieving the launch of astronauts, satellites and space probes to outer space requires the combined efforts of thousands of people, including scientists, engineers, technicians and interns. In this book we document the paths and efforts that exceptional Costa Ricans citizens took to achieve their dreams at NASA.”

The Intrepids: Costa Rican Women in Science and Technology
(separate English and Spanish versions)

Ana Luisa Monge-Naranjo, Bruce James Callow

“Have you ever wondered what life is like for women involved in science and technology? In this book you will find many answers, as it will take you on the paths traveled by 18 fabulous young Costa Rican women who have excelled in science and technology. … We will visit the present and the past lives of each one of them in order to learn about the successes, triumphs and difficulties that they encountered on their paths to professional success.”

Printed books in Spanish

Hacia las estrellas: Costa Rica en la NASA

Bruce James Callow, Ana Luisa Monge Naranjo

Costa Rica en la NASA   (Coloring book)

Bruce James Callow, Ana Luisa Monge Naranjo

Intrépidas en ciencia y tecnología

Ana Luisa Monge Naranjo, Bruce James Callow

Chicas intrépidas en ciencia y tecnología (Coloring book)

Ana Luisa Monge Naranjo, Bruce James Callow