From Collegeville Elementary: Charissa Eakin’s 5th Grade Student, Grady Gipson
Students at Bryant Public Schools had the opportunity to take part in a virtual NASA In-Flight Event.
On December 10, several Bryant classes tuned in as Nettleton STEAM Intermediate School students had a conversation with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station through a shared downlink.
The International Space Station has been home for astronauts living and working in space since November 2000. While the astronauts aboard are accustomed to sharing downlinks with different organizations on Earth, this was the first time anyone has ever communicated with the Space Station directly from Arkansas.
In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of astronauts living and working continuously aboard the International Space Station, NASA offered the chance for young astronauts here on Earth to earn the opportunity to communicate with the scientists currently aboard. Working with partners from A-State in Jonesboro, as well as the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Nettleton STEAM Intermediate School applied for and won the opportunity.
From Parkway Elementary: Emily Hicks’ 5th Grade Class
NASA astronauts Shannon Walker and Kate Rubins
At 10:25am the satellites aligned, affording Nettleton and students across the state this once in a lifetime opportunity. NASA astronauts Shannon Walker and Kate Rubins answered questions from Nettleton STEAM intermediate students. Former President Bill Clinton gave prerecorded opening remarks, and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gave prerecorded closing remarks. Arkansas PBS captured the live link event.