NASA astronaut Anne McClain, who grew up in Spokane, Washington, will take part in a special event with students from the Mobius Discovery Center in her hometown. During this event, McClain will answer prerecorded questions sent by students while she is aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This offers a unique chance for students to interact with an astronaut living and working in space.
Event Details and Viewing Information
The live event will happen on Tuesday, May 27, at 1:25 p.m. EDT and will last for about 20 minutes. People can watch the Earth-to-space call on the NASA STEM YouTube Channel. Members of the media who want to cover the event must RSVP by 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 23. They can contact Karen Hudson by phone at 509-321-7125 or by email at [email protected].
Inspiring Students Through STEM Learning
The Mobius Discovery Center will host this event for students from elementary, middle, and high schools across the region, including nonprofit groups and the Kalispel Tribe. The goal is to spark students’ imagination by exploring hands-on exhibits related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Hearing directly from Anne McClain aims to inspire young learners to think about careers in space exploration and science.
The Importance of the International Space Station
For over 24 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked on the ISS. They test new technologies, conduct scientific experiments, and develop skills needed for future missions beyond Earth. The space station communicates with NASA’s Mission Control in Houston 24/7 using the Near Space Network, which is part of NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation system (SCaN).
NASA’s Artemis Campaign and Future Exploration
Research done on the space station helps people on Earth and supports future NASA missions. As part of the Artemis campaign, NASA plans to send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for human exploration of Mars. This campaign inspires a new generation of explorers, called the Artemis Generation, and helps the United States stay a leader in space discovery.
This event with Anne McClain is a great opportunity for students to learn about space from someone who is actually living and working in orbit. It shows how science and technology can open amazing career paths and inspires young people to dream big. The ongoing work aboard the International Space Station is not only advancing human knowledge but also preparing us for exciting future missions to the Moon and beyond.