Stellar journey: Martina Dimoska’s mission to make space for everyone

This article originally appeared on GreaterCle.com as part of their latest tech feature.

Martina Dimoska’s career journey is nothing short of stellar. 

 The tech trailblazer was honored as GCP’s "Best of Tech Rising Star" in 2024 for her outstanding contributions to the NASA Space Apps Challenge Cleveland, which she organizes annually at NASA Glenn Research Center. She is the Founder and President of the International Space Alliance (ISA), a trained analog astronaut who has participated in multiple missions, and a dedicated advocate for pioneering space exploration and promoting inclusivity. 

Originally from the Republic of North Macedonia, Dimoska first gained international recognition when her team won the Galactic Impact category at the NASA Space Apps Challenge in 2014.  

She served as the Local Lead for NASA Space Apps Challenge Cleveland and Mountain View, held annually at NASA Glenn and NASA Ames Research Centers, where she fosters innovation and collaboration among aspiring space professionals.  

With her non-profit ISA, Dimoska is committed to building international capacity in space sciences and technology, particularly in underdeveloped regions and among underprivileged communities.   

GCP recently caught up with Dimoska at her home in Kičevo, where she is preparing to return to the U.S. for her next stellar journey.

GCP: Can you tell us about your current status and what you’re working on? 

Dimoska: Right now, I’m in the final stages of my Green Card process. I was approved for an Extraordinary Ability Green Card (EB-1)—the same category awarded to Nobel Prize winners, Olympic gold medalists, and even Albert Einstein. It’s a prestigious and highly selective category, and I’m honored to have qualified. 

The space sector is heavily restricted for internationals due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), which controls the export of defense-related technologies, including many aspects of space technology. As a result, most aerospace and space-related jobs in the U.S. are only available to U.S. citizens or Green Card holders. 

Once my final procedures are complete, I hope to make the U.S. my permanent home, and I’ll finally be able to apply for more serious roles in the space sector—something I couldn’t do before while on a student or work visa. 

GCP: Where do you plan to be based in the U.S., and how does that relate to your work in the space sector? 

Dimoska: I’ll be starting off in Cleveland, as securing residency or citizenship is essential for working in the space sector due to strict U.S. government regulations. For example, many space-related institutions and companies enforce stringent requirements regarding who can work with their technologies, limiting opportunities for non-residents. 

Once I officially obtain my Green Card, I’ll be able to fully explore opportunities that align with my expertise and interests in space exploration, research, and innovation—finally! 

Additionally, ISA—which is now legally registered both in North Macedonia and, more recently, in the United States as a 501(c)(3) non-profit—has the potential to serve as a key facilitator for many space-sector grants and initiatives. With its dual registration, ISA is uniquely positioned to bridge international collaboration, support research and foster capacity-building efforts, particularly in underdeveloped regions and among underprivileged communities. We have led initiatives in the Balkans, the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Africa, with a focus on expanding access to space education and opportunities globally. 

GCP: What led you to pursue a career in space and engineering? 

Dimoska: I’ve always been a naturally curious person who loves solving problems. Growing up with a sister who had a disability, I became passionate about creating activities that were both engaging and beneficial for her. This problem-solving mindset sparked my "ultimate pursuit of truth,” leading me to explore chemistry, physics, mathematics, and the natural sciences, paired with the creative arts, such as content creation. 

As I progressed in my education, I pursued Material Engineering and Nanotechnology, which eventually led me to an exchange program called Global UGRAD at Kent State University in Ohio, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Macedonia. Throughout high school and college, I actively participated in numerous competitions, hackathons and challenges, pushing the limits of my skills. 

That’s how I discovered my passion for space—drawn to fundamental questions about the universe: Who are we? Where do we belong? How can we explore beyond Earth? However, coming from North Macedonia, a country without a space agency or an established space industry, I had to carve my own path to break into the field and contribute to the global space sector. 

GCP: What challenges did you face trying to enter the space sector? 

Dimoska: The biggest challenge I faced was the lack of resources and mentors in my home country. The only astronauts from the Balkan region were Bulgarian cosmonauts who flew through the Russian space program during the Cold War era. 

With no local mentors to guide me, I had to seek out opportunities internationally. One of the most transformative decisions I made was volunteering to gain experience, allowing me to work on various projects, collaborate with experts, and build a strong network in the global space community. This hands-on involvement helped me develop crucial skills and open doors to new opportunities in the space sector. To this day, I continue to volunteer on select projects as a way to support the next generation of aspiring space professionals. 

GCP: Can you tell us more about the NASA Space Apps Challenge and your role in it? 

Dimoska: The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is the world’s largest global hackathon, offering a two-day platform for participants to use NASA’s open data and that of its international partners to solve real-world challenges on Earth and in space. Initially centered on space science and technology, the event transitioned in 2017 under the NASA Earth Science Division to also include Earth science, technology, arts, and humanities. Formerly managed by NASA’s Office of the Chief Information Officer, it now falls under the Science Mission Directorate and the Open Government Initiative established by U.S. President. 

I began my journey with the challenge as a participant—winning first place in Skopje in 2014—and have since advanced from mentor to judge and local lead, currently focusing on the NASA Space Apps Challenge Mountain View, held at NASA Ames Research Center.  

I’m proud to have helped make this transformative event accessible to underprivileged communities and to continue contributing to a global community of innovators and space professionals. 

GCP: What is an analog astronaut? 

Dimoska: An analog astronaut participates in simulated space missions that replicate real space conditions, including confined habitats, limited resources, and extreme environments. These missions are essential for testing technologies, conducting research, and validating procedures before they are used in actual space missions. If we don’t rigorously test systems on Earth before launch, a single failure in space could result in the loss of millions of dollars, wasted resources, and even mission failure. 

For someone like me, coming from North Macedonia—a country that is not part of the European Union (EU) or the European Space Agency (ESA), which provides space programs and funding for its member states—this role is invaluable.  

As an analog astronaut, I have the unique chance to gain astronaut-like training and contribute to space research despite these barriers. My role proves that dedication, expertise, and perseverance—not just national investment—can pave the way for meaningful contributions to human spaceflight and exploration. 

GCP: What’s next for you? 

Dimoska: In late 2025, I plan to continue advancing my career in space more technically while working on high-impact projects that contribute to space exploration and innovation. I will remain part of the NASA Space Apps Challenge organizing team in Cleveland and Mountain View, while also focusing on analog astronaut training and leading new initiatives through the International Space Alliance. 

Additionally, I aim to create pathways for international professionals in Cleveland and across the U.S., as well as for aspiring space professionals in my home country. My goal is to empower the next generation of space professionals while continuing to push the boundaries of my own contributions to the field. 

GCP: And, finally, what are some of your favorite places to visit in Cleveland–when you’re not working on space exploration?  

Dimoska: Oh, this is about to get seriously nerdy, but anything related to NASA Glenn Research Center is at the top of my list! I love spending time at the NASA Glenn Research Center, and its visitor center at the Great Lakes Science Center is a must-visit. The science center offers interactive exhibits, a direct connection to NASA Glenn, and a great way to see aerospace research in action—all in the heart of downtown Cleveland. 

Another favorite spot is The Arcade—a historic shopping center with breathtaking glass windows and specialty shops. Since I love vintage things, I enjoy exploring the unique stores there. 

I also find the International Women's Air & Space Museum fascinating, and I’ve even attended workshops there.  

And of course, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a Cleveland staple—definitely worth a visit! The city has so many amazing places to explore, especially for anyone into space, history and classic rock. 

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