NASA Astronauts to Connect with Ohio Students via Live Earth-to-Space Call
NASA is preparing an exciting live event for students in Ohio as two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) — Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman — will connect directly with them in a rare Earth-to-space call.
Credit: SpaceX
The session is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, at 10:15 a.m. EDT, and will be live-streamed on the agency’s Learn With NASA YouTube channel. The astronauts will respond to pre-recorded STEM questions submitted by students, making this a valuable opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
This initiative is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to encourage young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For students in Ohio, it represents not just a conversation with astronauts, but also a chance to see firsthand how science education connects with real-world space exploration.
NASA Astronauts Michael Fincke, a seasoned astronaut with three spaceflights, and NASA Astronauts Zena Cardman, a newer astronaut making significant strides in research and exploration, will answer questions about life on the ISS, space technology, future missions, and the challenges of living in microgravity.
The ISS, orbiting about 250 miles above Earth, is one of the most advanced scientific laboratories ever built. This Earth-to-space call bridges the gap between classrooms and space research, showing students how the experiments conducted aboard the ISS relate to their studies in chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering.
NASA has frequently emphasized that inspiring students at a young age is key to shaping future scientists, astronauts, and innovators. Events like these not only provide direct interaction with astronauts but also showcase how STEM knowledge is applied in real-world missions.
For teachers in Ohio, this event is also a teaching resource — an opportunity to align lessons with the themes discussed by astronauts. The call will touch on topics such as space station maintenance, astronaut training, international collaboration in space, and NASA’s future goals, including Artemis missions to the Moon and eventual Mars exploration.
Students will likely ask questions about how astronauts eat, sleep, and exercise in zero gravity, as well as how space science contributes to discoveries that benefit life on Earth. Michael Fincke, with his extensive spacewalking experience, and Zena Cardman, with her background in science and exploration, are well-positioned to provide inspiring answers.
This live call further strengthens NASA’s community outreach efforts, making space exploration accessible to students who may one day become part of the next generation of explorers.
The event reflects NASA’s core mission of expanding human knowledge through exploration and inspiring the world by bringing space science closer to Earth.
📌 How to Watch:
- Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
- Time: 10:15 a.m. EDT
- Platform: Learn With NASA YouTube Channel
Table of Contents
Who will the astronauts be speaking with during the live event
A1: NASA astronauts Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman will answer STEM-related questions submitted by Ohio students.
Where can the event be watched
The event will be live-streamed on NASA’s official Learn With NASA YouTube channel
Why does NASA hold Earth-to-space calls
These calls aim to inspire students, encourage STEM education, and give the public a chance to connect directly with astronauts aboard the ISS.
