Social media has a new controversy, and this time it’s orbiting around the stars — literally. Brazilian influencer Laysa Peixoto sent the internet into a frenzy after claiming she was selected for a space mission. Her viral Instagram post stirred such a buzz that even NASA had to officially respond, debunking her statement and clearing the air.
The Viral Post That Triggered NASA
On June 5, Laysa posted a picture wearing a NASA space jacket with a long caption describing her “upcoming space journey.” She claimed she was selected to travel to the Moon and Mars in 2025, and that she would also join a 2029 mission led by veteran NASA astronaut Bill McArthur, through a private space agency.
Her post was filled with ambition and excitement — and many believed it at face value. Comments flooded in, media outlets picked it up, and questions started pouring in to NASA.
NASA Responds: “She’s Not One of Us”
As the claims gained traction, NASA issued an official statement, completely denying any association with Laysa Peixoto.
Key points from NASA’s response:
| Claim by Laysa | NASA’s Response |
|---|---|
| Selected for 2025 Moon/Mars mission | False |
| Part of 2029 private mission with Bill McArthur | False |
| Affiliated with NASA | No association |
| Participated in NASA programs | She only attended an external workshop, not an internship or job |
NASA clarified that she had attended a virtual L’SPACE Academy workshop, which is open to students and not considered official training or employment.
Laysa’s Clarification: “You Misunderstood My Words”
After NASA’s denial, Laysa posted again, defending her words. She said people misunderstood her:
“I never said NASA selected me. I said I’m going to space. People only read the first half of my post.”
She insisted that wearing a NASA jacket and expressing her dreams was misinterpreted. But by then, the damage to her credibility had already been done.
Even Her Education Is Under Question
The university Laysa claimed to have attended also distanced itself from her, stating that they had no records of her as a student. The scandal began to spread beyond just space claims — now people were questioning her entire background.
A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age
This incident is a reminder of how fast misinformation can spread online. A well-edited post with a space jacket and a dream narrative was enough to mislead thousands, and even prompt a response from one of the world’s top space agencies.
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