Students in Emporia, Kansas, will soon have a direct line to space. Emporia State University has been selected for a highly competitive program that will allow local students to conduct a live question-and-answer session with astronauts currently orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The opportunity comes through the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, which aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). ESU is one of only four educational institutions chosen for this contact window, positioning the small Kansas community at the forefront of a unique educational experience.
Key Takeaways
- Emporia State University was selected to host a live radio contact with the International Space Station.
- Local students from Emporia and Lyon County will ask astronauts questions in real-time.
- The initiative is part of the global ARISS program, designed to promote STEM education.
- A series of community-wide educational events and seminars will precede the ISS contact.
A Rare Connection to Orbit
The ARISS program facilitates conversations between students and astronauts using amateur radio equipment. For a brief window of about 10 minutes, as the ISS passes over the region, a direct radio link will be established. During this time, students will have the chance to speak with crew members traveling at over 17,000 miles per hour, some 250 miles above the Earth's surface.
While hearing from astronauts after they return to Earth is common, ESU associate professor Erika Martin emphasized the unique nature of this event. Speaking with astronauts while they are actively living and working in space provides an unparalleled, immediate connection to the realities of space exploration.
ISS at a Glance
- Altitude: Approximately 400 km (250 miles)
- Speed: 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph)
- Orbits per day: About 16
- Program Partners: NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada)
The selection process for the ARISS program is rigorous, requiring a detailed educational plan that demonstrates how the contact will be integrated into a broader STEM curriculum. The successful proposal from ESU stood out for its comprehensive approach to community engagement.
The Team Behind the Proposal
The initiative was spearheaded by a dedicated team of Emporia State faculty and staff. The proposal was a collaborative effort involving Erika Martin from the School of Science and Mathematics, Peterson Planetarium Director Mark Brown, STEM Outreach Coordinator Daphne Mayes, and Alexandra Hayes from the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center.
Mark Brown explained that the team's enthusiasm and detailed plan for community involvement were key factors in their selection. The goal was not just to create a singular event but to build a lasting educational impact throughout the region.
"This is the kind of experience that can change a student's life. It makes space tangible and shows them that careers in science and technology are within their reach."
The team's vision extends far beyond the ten-minute radio call, aiming to leverage the excitement of the event to foster a deeper interest in STEM fields among local youth.
Community-Wide Educational Buildup
Leading up to the yet-to-be-scheduled contact with the ISS, Emporia State University is organizing a series of educational activities. These events are designed to prepare students and the wider community for the historic call and to provide foundational knowledge about space exploration, radio technology, and life in microgravity.
Daphne Mayes, the university's STEM Outreach Coordinator, highlighted the strong partnerships already forming with local schools, businesses, and public venues. These collaborations will be essential for delivering a rich program of seminars and hands-on activities.
What is ARISS?
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a volunteer program that arranges scheduled contacts between licensed amateur radio operators and crew members on the ISS. The program's primary goal is to engage young people in STEM through the excitement of real-time space communication. Since its inception, ARISS has provided opportunities for millions of students worldwide to learn about space firsthand.
Planned activities include:
- Workshops on amateur radio technology and how it enables space communication.
- Presentations at the Peterson Planetarium about the International Space Station's mission and trajectory.
- Classroom curriculum modules developed in partnership with local teachers.
- Public lectures on the science of living and working in space.
These initiatives ensure that the impact of the ISS contact will be felt long before and after the actual event, creating a comprehensive learning experience for the entire community.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Explorers
For students in Emporia and the surrounding Lyon County, this event represents more than just a novelty; it is a powerful educational tool. The ability to ask a question directly to someone floating in space can ignite a passion for learning that classroom lectures alone often cannot.
The direct interaction demystifies space travel and presents astronauts as real people working on the frontiers of science. This personal connection is critical for inspiring students to envision themselves in similar roles in the future, whether as engineers, scientists, or technicians.
Emporia State University will release further details about the schedule for the ISS contact and the related community events on its official website, Emporia.edu. The entire community is eagerly awaiting the final date for this out-of-this-world conversation.