More than 200 students in St. Louis had an “off-planet experience” as they spoke with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, observed Moon rocks and viewed the historic Apollo 11 lunar capsule currently on display at the St. Louis Science Center. The day-long educational event helped celebrate the 60th anniversary of NASA, as well as the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
On July 18, a “long-distance” Earth-to-space video call was made connecting students with NASA astronaut Serena M. Auñón-Chancellor as she orbited nearly 250 miles above Earth. This unique opportunity, known as an ISS education downlink, marks the first ever conducted at the St. Louis Science Center. Auñón-Chancellor, a flight engineer for Expedition 56, answered questions about living and working in space, while inspiring students to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
“The students recently studied space-themed topics to prepare for this downlink, each one eager to learn more about living and working in space,” said Christian Greer, chief officer for science, education and experience at the St. Louis facility. “Their interest, combined with our community’s support and NASA’s efforts created a valuable learning experience for all.”
The science center was selected through a competitive process as part of NASA’s Year of Education on Station, a campaign providing authentic experiences to enhance student learning, performance and interest in STEM fields. In-flight education downlinks are an integral component of NASA Education’s STEM on Station activity, providing space-station-related resources and opportunities for students and teachers.
Perfectly timed, the downlink enriched an exhibit featuring a stunning piece of American space exploration history, the Apollo 11 lunar capsule. On display now until Sept. 3, 2018, this capsule carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to the Moon and back.
The capsule and accompanying space memorabilia are part of a traveling exhibit titled “Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission” on loan from the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The exhibit serves to raise awareness of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, soon to be celebrated at locations across the nation from now to July 20, 2019.
Throughout the day, NASA’s accomplishments of space station research and plans for deep-space exploration on the new Space Launch System rocket were on display. Students engaged in hands-on activities conducted by the science center staff, and an education team from local industry leader, Boeing. In addition, students interacted with representatives from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and elected officials of the Missouri legislature.
Following her NASA career having served as a flight surgeon, an aquanaut for the NEEMO 20 undersea exploration mission, and as capsule communicator for multiple space station resupply missions, Auñón-Chancellor is a first-time crewmember aboard the space station.
Soon, bright-eyed kids like those in St. Louis will lead scientific missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond, thanks to such educational activities inspiring the next generation to advance achievements in discovery, invention and exploration.
Follow the astronauts on social media:
For more information, videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station, visit: