Welsh school pupils video call NASA astronaut Frank Rubio
Students at Ysgol Cemaes primary school in Wales spoke virtually with NASA astronaut and Artemis III crew member Frank Rubio on Wednesday.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Pupils at Ysgol Cemaes in Wales video called NASA astronaut Frank Rubio
- Frank Rubio previously spent 371 days aboard the International Space Station
- Children previously designed a badge that was sent to float in zero gravity
School children in Anglesey, Wales, experienced great excitement after connecting virtually with a NASA astronaut on Wednesday. The session gave students the opportunity to ask questions about living and working in space, as well as the challenges of space exploration.
Students at Ysgol Cemaes spoke with Frank Rubio, who is scheduled to be part of the crew for the upcoming Artemis III mission. Rubio famously spent more than a year in space, totaling 371 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after a spacecraft fault delayed his return to Earth.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This is not the first time the primary school pupils have connected with astronauts. Earlier this year, they participated in a project to design a badge that was sent into space, later watching it float in zero gravity aboard the ISS.
This unique opportunity was made possible by former pupil Dr. Melanie Coathup, a scientist working closely with astronauts who has helped foster the school's growing ties with the space industry.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Such initiatives play a crucial role in inspiring young minds in STEM fields, especially in regional schools. By bridging the gap between local students and global space agencies through alumni networks, programs like this effectively cultivate early interest in science, engineering, and aerospace careers among children.
Pupils had prepared numerous questions ahead of the virtual meeting. Nine-year-old Harry and his eight-year-old friend Sofia were among those listening to the astronaut share his experiences, having spent time preparing in their classrooms beforehand.
Lola, age 9, was also present in the school hall on Wednesday and expressed delight upon seeing Rubio holding a badge designed by a member of the school community. Lola noted that her cousin won the badge design contest that went to space, adding that the most fascinating thing she learned was the actual existence of a space station in orbit. The school now plans to design and send another badge into space next year.
Source: BBC Science & Environment
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