Archive Person

Niko Blanks

Space Operations Engineer, Analog Astronaut & Space Accessibility Advocate

Niko Blanks is a space operations engineer, analog astronaut researcher, and advocate for making space exploration more accessible to everyone. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and former launch engineer with Blue Origin, Niko has contributed to human spaceflight operations, analog astronaut missions, and STEM outreach initiatives focused on inspiring the next generation of explorers. A pediatric cancer survivor, he is passionate about expanding access to space and science education for underserved communities and has helped create immersive space experiences for pediatric cancer patients and survivors through programs like Cosmic Odyssey. Niko was also featured in the Netflix documentary The Mars Generation.