NASA astronauts answer STEM questions from Missouri students aboard the International Space Station
The event, hosted by the University of Missouri Pre-Employment Transition Services, aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through direct engagement with space explorers.
NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway are set to engage in a live Earth-to-space call from the International Space Station, answering prerecorded questions related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event is scheduled to commence at 10:50 a.m. EDT on Thursday, 30 April, with the broadcast streaming live on the agency's Learn With NASA YouTube channel.
This educational initiative is being hosted by the University of Missouri Pre-Employment Transition Services in Columbia. It is designed specifically for students in grades K-12 and members of the local community, offering a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of space exploration. The interaction aims to inspire young people to consider future careers within the STEM fields by connecting them directly with active space explorers.
The International Space Station has served as a continuous hub for human activity for more than 25 years. During this period, crews have lived and worked aboard the station, testing new technologies, conducting scientific research, and developing the essential skills required for future deep-space missions. These ongoing investigations benefit people on Earth and support broader agency objectives, including the Artemis programme.
Under the Artemis programme, NASA plans to send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future human exploration of Mars. This mission represents a new Golden Age of innovation and exploration, with research and technology investigations taking place on the station supporting these ambitious goals. The work conducted in orbit benefits humanity on Earth and lays the groundwork for reaching further into the solar system.
Astronauts aboard the station maintain constant communication with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston, twenty-four hours a day. They utilise the Space Communications and Navigation Near Space Network to ensure seamless contact with ground teams. This reliable communication infrastructure is vital for the safety and success of all operations, from daily experiments to emergency procedures.
Media outlets wishing to cover the event are required to register their interest. RSVPs must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 29 April, to Kimberly Pudlowski via telephone or email. For further information regarding NASA in-flight education calls, inquiries can be directed to Gerelle Dodson at Headquarters in Washington or Sandra Jones at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
