Kids ask the darnedest things and astronauts are more than happy to answer the fun and quirky questions about how they live, work and play on the International Space Station (ISS).
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Indianapolis area students got to 'space-out' with an actual astronaut who was orbiting Earth on the International Space Station (ISS) today. The space-to-Earth satellite call aired live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website.
It was clear that NASA astronaut Dr, Kjell Lindgren (pronounced: CHELL LIND‐grin) had a blast answering questions from Indianapolis middle and high school students Monday morning live via satellite.
"Kenlei: My question is how do you communicate with friends and family?"
Lindgren answered, "Back 25 years ago the only way astronauts could talk with their families back on the ground was with amateur radio – with a ham radio. These days we have a telephone system – voice over internet protocol where I'm able to dial a cell phone through my laptop computer and I'm able to talk/call someone on their cell phone. It's absolutely amazing."
Ky (Anderson) followed up with, "How does water behave in space?" Everyone giggled as Lindgren gave a demonstration and said, "Water is absolutely amazing. We take advantage of orbiting laboratory to examine how fluids move and work in space. So here's a little example -- This is how we drink juice or water depending on if it's a hot or cold drink. And you can see if I push a little bit of water out here… it assumes the shape of a sphere. It's shaking a little bit and I'll release it from the straw."
Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance, and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Lindgren is the commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-4 mission. He is currently working on Immunosenescence, which is the changes in the immune system associated with age. The rise in interest in this topic is timely given the increasing average age and the corresponding failure to increase healthy life expectancy. He is also exploring Dynamos, which devices that make direct current electric power using electromagnetism. These experiments change throughout the expedition.
For more than 21 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked aboard the space station, which is also a unique science laboratory. They test technologies, perform science, and develop the skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Families can get a sense of what the space station is like by visiting Beyond Spaceship Earth at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
"We are thrilled to be able to work directly with NASA to make these amazing educational opportunities happen," said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president, and CEO, The Children's Museum. "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are complex subjects that can sometimes seem overwhelming to kids. Having a chance to see real-life applications of those important subjects and ask real astronauts how they live, work, and play in space can literally change children's view of the world in which we live and we are proud to be a part of that transformative experience."
Lindgren is currently living and working aboard the International Space Station as commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-4 mission. He served as backup crew member for the NASA SpaceX Demo-2, Crew-1, and Crew-3 missions. The students learned what astronauts are working on in space. Some of Dr. Lindgren's research on the ISS includes working with the "Veggie" lettuce experiment, which represented the first time a U.S. crew had eaten a crop grown on orbit.
About NASA Astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren:
At the U.S. Air Force Academy, Dr. Lindgren was a member of the "Wings of Blue" parachute team, where he served as an instructor, a jumpmaster, and a member of the academy's intercollegiate national championship team. Dr. Lindgren was selected in June 2009 as one of nine members of the 20th NASA astronaut class. Dr. Lindgren is board certified in emergency medicine. When not in space, Lindgren lives in Burke, Virginia where he loves to spend time with his family, participates in scouting, reads, watches movies, and is involved in church activities.
Other interesting facts:
The space station orbits Earth at an average altitude of approximately 250 miles and travels at 17,500 mph. That means it orbits Earth every 90 minutes.
Families can watch videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at: https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation
Downlinks are broadcast live on NASA TV and NASA Live, to watch –
1. Download the NASA TV app on your mobile device
2. Watch NASA TV on your computer – http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv
3. Check your TV guide for the NASA TV channel in your area
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children's Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP, and The Heritage Group.
About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram@childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook.
Media Contact
Kimberly Harms Robinson, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 317-809-5203, [email protected]
SOURCE The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
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