Students from Rocky Hill, Connecticut, will get a unique chance to connect with NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts will answer prerecorded questions from students about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This event aims to inspire students from kindergarten through 12th grade by showing them the exciting career possibilities in space exploration and STEM fields.
Event Details and Viewing Information
The 20-minute space-to-Earth call will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11:40 a.m. EST. Viewers can watch the event live on NASA+ and through NASA’s social media platforms. The event will be hosted at the Rocky Hill Library in Rocky Hill, near Hartford, Connecticut.
Media interested in covering the event must contact Gina Marie Davies by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2025, either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 860-258-2530.
About the Astronauts and the ISS
Astronauts Nick Hague and Don Pettit have been living and working aboard the ISS, a space laboratory that has been continuously occupied by humans for over 24 years. The space station allows astronauts to perform scientific experiments and test new technologies that help improve life on Earth and prepare for future space missions.
The astronauts maintain constant communication with NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston through the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Near Space Network, ensuring smooth operations 24/7.
Importance of the Space Station and Artemis Program
Research and technology experiments on the ISS benefit everyday life on Earth and support NASA’s broader goals, such as the Artemis campaign. Artemis aims to send astronauts back to the Moon and later to Mars, inspiring a new generation of explorers known as the Artemis Generation. This program helps maintain the United States’ leadership in space exploration and scientific discovery.
Additional Resources for Students and Educators
To support learning, NASA offers videos and lesson plans that highlight research conducted on the space station. These educational materials are available at NASA’s STEM on Station website: https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation.
The upcoming call between Rocky Hill students and NASA astronauts aboard the ISS is a fantastic way to inspire young learners about STEM careers and space exploration. By engaging directly with astronauts, students can better understand the importance of science and technology in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. This event highlights NASA’s ongoing efforts to educate and motivate the next generation of explorers who will one day venture to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
