On a Mission to Colombia!

For three electrifying days, the Tobacia Brothers—Camilo, Andrés, and Sebastián—along with 6 passionate Space United team members from Blue Origin, SpaceX & Boeing, embarked on a groundbreaking journey to Medellín, Colombia, to support the 2nd Annual ALAS Rocketry Competition. The competition, aimed at fostering STEAM enthusiasm among youth in Latin America, drew over 300 eager participants from across Colombia and Mexico, uniting them through the thrill of building and launching rockets.

“This trip was incredibly special to me, as it reconnected me with my Colombian roots and allowed me to visit family and friends. Returning to Colombia with my brothers and friends, Engineers & Club Ambassadors from Blue Origin, SpaceX and Boeing, made it even more remarkable. It was profoundly impactful to inspire local kids by showing them that living and working in space could be part of their future. Sharing our story with over 350 students was deeply meaningful, aiming to inspire the next generation of astronauts, explorers, artists, and scientists.”

— Andrés Tobacia

Rocketry Meets Inspiration

ALAS, a pioneering non-profit initiative based in Colombia that is dedicated to strengthening STEAM vocations and advancing the aerospace industry in the region, proved to be the perfect stage for innovation and collaboration. Students, guided by the expertise of Space United mentors, poured their creativity into constructing rockets that would soar to the heavens. Our Space United judges, who traveled from across the United States, were thrilled to witness the energy, teamwork, and determination on display.

A Match Beyond Boundaries

Adding an extraordinary twist, Space United partnered with Atlético Nacional, Colombia’s most renowned professional football team, to host a friendly match unlike any other. This spirited encounter brought together engineering-athletes, including the Tobacia brothers, Adrian Peña and standout Juliana Andrews, whose athleticism gained her the player-of-the-match award. The match served as a platform to introduce space exploration concepts, blending sports and STEAM in an unprecedented way. It was more than a game—it was a celebration of shared dreams and the limitless potential of the next generation.

“The whole experience was one I will never forget, but one thing that stands out was being the only female on the field playing against former Atletico Nacional players. I really enjoyed being able to talk to the students at the competition and show them that you don’t have to just be an engineer or an athlete, you can actually be both!”

— Juliana Andrews

Dreams Soaring to Space

The event concluded on an inspiring note as students, players, parents and coaching staff participated in the Postcards to Space initiative, supported by Club for the Future. Approximately 1,000 postcards, each capturing unique visions for the future of life and sports in space, have now made their way to Blue Origin, awaiting their journey aboard a New Shepard rocket. These dreams, written by young minds, represent the boundless possibilities of science, exploration, and human ingenuity.

By the way, if you'd like to send your own Digital Postcard to Space, visit https://draw.clubforfuture.org/

A Team Effort & Inspiring the Future

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Tobacia Brothers and the Space United team, including Juliana Andrews and Adrian Peña, who made this event a resounding success. Their mentorship and enthusiasm inspired every participant, demonstrating the power of collaboration, education, and innovation. By merging rocketry with sports and igniting imagination, the Tobacia Brothers and Space United have set a new benchmark for STEAM education in Latin America. Together, they are inspiring a future where science and sports unite to bring space closer to communities eager to be a part of this exciting future.

“These are the future generations that will continue building the road to space and beyond, they look to us for guidance and we look to them for continued innovation. Getting involved means encouraging young minds to pursue aerospace to benefit humanity beyond our years, and isn’t that something worth being a part of? ”

— Juliana Andrews

To learn more about this historic event and how you can get involved, please visit www.spaceunited.com or follow @SpaceUnitedFC in social media.

Participants Celebrating their rocketry achievements!

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About Space United

Space United is a groundbreaking organization that's redefining the future of sports and space exploration with the non-profit foundation Goal for Launch. Founded by Latino space engineers, Space United leverages the global passion for soccer to inspire the next generation of diverse innovators.

Through its network of recreational soccer clubs, STEM education programs, and youth academies, Space United is breaking down barriers and showing its soccer community that they too belong in the exciting and thriving future of space.

About Atlético Nacional

Atlético Nacional is one of the most prestigious football clubs in Colombia and South America. Known for its passionate fanbase and rich history, the club has consistently produced top-tier talent and achieved significant success both domestically and internationally.

With a strong emphasis on youth development and community engagement, Atlético Nacional has made a significant impact on Colombian society. The club's commitment to excellence and fair play has made it a beloved institution in Medellin and throughout the country and the world.

About the ALAS Foundation

The ALAS Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting aerospace science and technology in Colombia. Founded by a group of passionate engineers and educators, the foundation aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Through initiatives like the Colombian Sports Rocketry Competition, ALAS is empowering young people to reach for the stars.

Liftoff in Colombia: The Tobacia Brothers Lead an Unforgettable Rocketry Mission for Students in Latin America!