RIVERDALE, Utah (ABC4) — Kids attending STAR Camp at the Utah Military Academy in Riverdale got the chance to talk to astronauts currently on board the International Space Station on Friday.
NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers participated in the special Earth-to-space call Friday morning. McClain and Ayers responded to a range of questions submitted by the STAR camp participants.
The event gave students the opportunity to engage directly with astronauts who are in outer space at this very moment. Event organizers said it helps youth better understand what may be out there.
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Executive Director at STAR Camp, Annika Jensen, said the event supports their mission, which is simply to help people understand space, as well as to get people excited about space STEM and space education and exploration.
“The world of space exploration is so huge and basically no matter what you’re interested in there, there’s a job for you,” Jensen expressed.
In total, astronauts answered 27 questions from students attending the camp. For more information on STAR CAMP programs, visit the Douglas Space and Science Foundation website here.
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A thrilling exchange of ideas and dreams as Utah kids interact directly with astronauts on the International Space Station, inspiring future generations to pursue exploration in space.
An unforgettable experience for Utah kids, as they get a chance to interact with real-life astronauts aboard the International Space Station. This unprecedented connection serves not only educational purposes but also inspires young minds towards exploring and discovering space.
An incredible experience for Utah kids: direct interaction with astronauts on the International Space Station, fostering dreams of exploration and inspiring future generations towards a journey beyond our atmosphere.
The glance of wonder and delight in Utah children's eyes as they interacted directly with astronaut crews on the International Space Station was a poignant reminder that our dreams for exploration, albeit costly endeavors we do not know enough to be feasible initially yet inspire us profoundly.
