Pictures courtesy of Tiffany Torrey

 

On Tuesday, February 7th, astronomy students from Ridgeline and Sky View High Schools gathered in Ridgeline's library for a once-in-a-lifetime event: talking in real-time via Amateur Radio to an astronaut on the International Space Station. This exciting opportunity was made possible through the collaboration and efforts of the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program; CCSD Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, Brittany Foster; Ridgeline High School astronomy teacher and NASA aficionado, Emma "Super" Smith; and members of the Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club (BARC). 

 

During the ARISS contact, students spoke with NASA astronaut Josh Cassada. Ten students had the chance to ask Cassada one question. Some of the questions students asked were: What is your biggest personal goal in relation to space? Was there a specific book, movie, or show that inspired you to become an astronaut? How fast are you able to spin in a weightless environment? How many repairs do you usually do to the Space Station daily? Which NASA project do you think is most important to us as human beings?

 

Links to news coverage of the event:

Cache County students speak with NASA astronaut aboard International Space Station

 

                  

 

Link to PodCACHE Episode with more information and interviews: Making Contact with the International Space Station

Link: NASA International Space Station information

Link: ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) website

Link: NASA Astronaut Josh Cassada biography

Link: Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club