Space exploration requires individuals who can think critically, adapt to uncertainty, and learn in cognitively complex environments. This paper examines how Human Systems Engineering (HSE) and cognitive design principles can enhance both astronaut training and STEM education on Earth. The same methodologies that help astronauts manage stress, teamwork, and cognitive load in mission scenarios can inform how educators design instruction for complex problem-solving. This study synthesizes research in educational psychology, cognitive ergonomics, and NASA's Human Research Program to outline a model of learning that integrates adaptive feedback, simulation-based experiences, and cognitive alignment with student needs. By applying HSE to education, instructors can build systems that teach learners to think, adapt, and innovate in the same way mission specialists do in space.