La Salle College Preparatory is proud to recognize Lauren Rodriguez ’27, who recently coauthored a NASA-published technical memorandum, “The Mars Aerial Navigation Terrain and Atmosphere (MANTA) Explorer,” marking an extraordinary achievement in high school scientific research and aerospace innovation.
Lauren was selected to participate in the NASA High School Aviation Concept Design Experience (HACE) 2025, a prestigious and highly competitive internship program. Of 767 applicants nationwide, only 36 were selected, placing Lauren among a small group of high-achieving high school researchers chosen to collaborate with NASA professionals.
Throughout the summer, participants collaborated virtually before attending an in-person experience at the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, where they toured facilities and worked alongside engineers, scientists, and mentors. Lauren’s team developed the Mars Aerial Navigation Terrain & Atmosphere (MANTA) Explorer, an innovative mission concept to advance Mars exploration.
The MANTA Explorer is a fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft capable of gliding across the Martian surface and reaching areas inaccessible to traditional landers or existing aerial systems. The concept integrates advanced sensors and intelligent navigation systems to study Martian terrain, atmospheric conditions, and signs of ancient water, helping scientists better understand Mars as a complete and interconnected environment.
Lauren’s work on the project culminated in the official publication of the team’s research as a NASA technical memorandum, an achievement rarely seen at the high school level. Her contribution reflects the academic excellence, innovation, and curiosity fostered at La Salle College Preparatory.
Lauren’s NASA mentor, Raj Pai, highlighted the impact of working with student interns, noting that today’s students are not only dreaming about the future of space exploration but also actively contributing to it through research, collaboration, and bold ideas.
We are incredibly proud of Lauren for representing La Salle on a national stage and for demonstrating what is possible when passion for learning meets opportunity.
Read the full NASA publication here: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20250008367
