In an exciting opportunity for young aspiring scientists, NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain will connect with students in New York and Utah aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to answer their questions in two scheduled events.
The first event will take place at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Monday, June 23, when Ayers and McClain will respond to questions submitted by students from P.S. 71 Forest Elementary School, located in Ridgewood, New York. Media representatives wishing to cover this event must RSVP by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20, by contacting Regina Beshay at rbeshay2@school.nyc.gov or 347-740-6165.
Following this, the astronauts will engage with students from the Douglas Space and Science Foundation, Inc., based in Layton, Utah, on Friday, June 27, at 11:05 a.m. Interested media outlets have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, to RSVP with Sarah Merrill at sarahmonique@gmail.com or 805-743-3341.
Both events will be broadcast live for a duration of 20 minutes on NASA’s STEM YouTube Channel, providing an invaluable experience for the students. P.S. 71 Forest Elementary caters to kindergarten through fifth-grade students, while the Douglas Space and Science Foundation hosts participants from their Science, Technology, Achievement Research camp.
The primary goal of these events is to inspire students to envision careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through direct engagement with astronauts. This initiative represents a continuation of NASA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of explorers through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences.
For nearly 25 years, astronauts have continuously resided on the ISS, where they conduct vital research, test new technologies, and develop skills essential for future exploration beyond Earth. Direct communication with NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston is maintained through the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Near Space Network, enabling a seamless flow of information and support.
Research conducted aboard the ISS not only advances scientific understanding but also has practical benefits for people on Earth, laying the groundwork for future missions, including NASA’s Artemis program. The Artemis campaign aims to return astronauts to the Moon, setting the stage for potential human exploration of Mars and reaffirming the United States’ leadership in space exploration.
As these events highlight the excitement and potential of space science, students are encouraged to dream big and consider a future in STEM fields, with the possibility of one day joining their heroes among the stars.
