From Stargazing to Space Exploration: Meet Kaat
For Kaat Degros, the universe has always held endless possibilities. Now, through Cosmic Girls, she's discovering just how far her dreams can take her.
Growing up in Limburg, Belgium, Kaat Degros was fascinated by the universe's mysteries. At just six years old, she was already captivated by science documentaries, spending hours learning about distant planets, the natural world, and everything beyond our own atmosphere.
Her curiosity was supported—and encouraged — at home. Her parents filled her shelves with science books and took her to museums, while her mother taught her how to find Saturn through a telescope. By elementary school, Kaat had earned a reputation as the girl who was obsessed with science, a title she wore proudly.
But not everyone shared her enthusiasm.
When Kaat talked about becoming an astronaut, some people questioned whether her ambitions were realistic. Others thought her fascination with astronomy was unusual. Instead of letting those reactions discourage her, she turned them into motivation.
"I never let it get me down; it is just extra motivation to keep going!"
Kaat recognizes that she was fortunate to grow up with access to museums, observatories, and a family that supported her curiosity. She also knows that millions of girls around the world don't have those same opportunities.
That understanding has helped shape another of her passions: ensuring girls everywhere have the chance to explore science, pursue their ambitions, and discover what they're capable of.
Finding her place among the stars
A few years ago, Kaat met Cosmic Girls founder Dr. Mindy Howard, who told her about an exciting new initiative designed to connect and empower girls passionate about space. Kaat immediately knew she wanted to be part of it.
She joined the Cosmic Girls community in its earliest days, when only a handful of girls were active on its global forum. Today, she's watched that community grow into an international network of young women who share ideas, support one another, and encourage each other to dream bigger.
One of her most memorable experiences came in the summer of 2024, when she completed an educational program offered through a Cosmic Girls partner alongside girls from around the world.
She explored aerospace engineering, space medicine, and the possibilities of living on other planets. For her final project, she designed and built a model of a self-sustaining research base on Mars.
The experience gave her more than technical knowledge. She strengthened her English, formed international friendships, and discovered what becomes possible when girls with shared interests can learn together, regardless of where they live.
Through Cosmic Girls, Kaat also gained access to Slooh, an online platform that allows her to explore the night sky using telescopes around the world.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of her experience has been finding a community where she truly belongs.
"My confidence grew over the years, and I now believe that I can later contribute to space exploration."
A dream without limits
Kaat still dreams of becoming an astronaut. She imagines herself conducting experiments aboard a space station, contributing to scientific discoveries, and seeing Earth from space.
She's equally passionate about inspiring the next generation. Outside Cosmic Girls, she's involved with JVS Descartes, a youth astronomy movement in Belgium that encourages young people to explore STEM and discover the night sky.
Whether her future takes her into space as an astronaut, into a laboratory as a physicist, or into engineering, Kaat hopes her journey will encourage other girls to follow their curiosity.
And she has a message for anyone who doubts that girls belong in space and STEM:
"Space is for everyone, no matter what others say. Keep believing in yourself!"
— Kaat, Cosmic Girls community member
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