Live from Space: A Unique Educational Opportunity
On Wednesday, August 27, NASA astronauts Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman will participate in a remarkable event, connecting directly with students in Ohio from aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This Earth-to-space call, scheduled for 10:15 a.m. EDT, will feature the astronauts answering prerecorded questions focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event will be streamed live on the agency's Learn With NASA YouTube channel, providing an opportunity for a broader audience to witness this inspiring interaction.
The initiative is part of NASA's ongoing efforts to engage young minds and foster interest in STEM fields. By allowing students to interact with astronauts currently living and working in space, the agency aims to bring the wonders of space exploration into classrooms across the country. This particular call highlights the unique environment of the ISS, where Fincke and Cardman are conducting a long-duration mission as part of the SpaceX Crew-11 team.
Meet the Astronauts: Fincke and Cardman’s Journey
Michael Fincke, a veteran astronaut, recently marked a personal milestone by surpassing his 400th day in space during this mission. Having previously set a cumulative time-in-space record for an American astronaut, Fincke brings a wealth of experience to the Crew-11 mission, which launched on August 1 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. His extensive background includes multiple missions to the ISS, where he has contributed to numerous scientific investigations.
Zena Cardman, a Hampton Roads native and UNC graduate, is also part of the Crew-11 mission, alongside Fincke, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Cardman’s journey to the ISS represents a significant achievement, and her participation in educational outreach events like this one underscores her commitment to inspiring the next generation. Together, Fincke and Cardman are not only conducting critical research but also serving as role models for students interested in space exploration.
Their mission, which docked with the ISS on August 2, is set to last six months, during which they will perform a host of scientific experiments. These experiments are designed to advance our understanding of various phenomena and prepare for future deep space missions, making their insights particularly valuable to curious students.
Inspiring the Future: STEM Education from Orbit
This event is more than just a Q&A session; it’s a chance to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application. Students in Ohio will have their prerecorded questions answered by astronauts who are living the realities of STEM in one of the most extreme environments imaginable. Similar events have been held with students in Minnesota, demonstrating NASA’s commitment to reaching diverse communities with these unique educational opportunities.
The live stream on Learn With NASA’s YouTube channel ensures that even those not physically present in Ohio can benefit from this interaction. By showcasing the daily challenges and triumphs of life aboard the ISS, Fincke and Cardman hope to ignite a passion for discovery and innovation among young viewers. As NASA continues to push the boundaries of human exploration, events like these remind us of the importance of nurturing curiosity and ambition in the next generation of scientists and engineers.