NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Takuya Onishi from Japan’s JAXA will answer prerecorded questions from middle school students in New York. Meanwhile, NASA astronaut Anne McClain will speak to high school students from Ohio. These two special events will give students a unique chance to hear directly from astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Event Details and Viewing Information
The first event will take place on Tuesday, May 20, at 10:20 a.m. EDT. It features students from Long Beach Middle School in Lido Beach, New York. Media wishing to cover this event must RSVP by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 19, by contacting Christi Tursi at [email protected] or by phone at 516-771-3960.
The second event is scheduled for Friday, May 23, at 10:10 a.m. EDT, involving students from Vermilion High School in Vermilion, Ohio. Media interested must RSVP by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, to Jennifer Bengele at [email protected] or 440-479-7783.
Both events will last about 20 minutes and can be watched live on the NASA STEM YouTube Channel.
Inspiring Young Minds Through Space Science
Long Beach Middle School will host the event for students in grades 6 to 8. The school hopes to bridge the gap between space science and classroom learning, making space exploration more accessible and exciting for students and the local community.
At Vermilion High School, the event targets students in grades 9 to 12. It aims to boost interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by showing real-life examples of astronauts working in space.
The Role of the International Space Station
For over 24 years, astronauts have lived and worked continuously on the ISS. They test new technology, perform scientific experiments, and build skills needed for missions beyond Earth. The ISS maintains constant communication with NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston through the Near Space Network, which is part of NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) system.
NASA’s Artemis Campaign and Future Exploration
The research done aboard the ISS benefits people on Earth and prepares NASA for future missions. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA plans to send astronauts to the Moon as a stepping stone for exploring Mars. This program inspires a new generation of explorers, called the Artemis Generation, and helps keep the United States a leader in space discovery.
These events provide students with a rare chance to interact with astronauts living in space, helping to make science and space exploration more relatable and exciting. The work aboard the ISS continues to support important discoveries and prepares us for future journeys to the Moon and Mars, encouraging young people to explore STEM fields and dream big about space careers.
