How high schoolers bridge the gap between Earth and the International Space Station

Space · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Through NASA's Digital Learning Network, students can engage directly with mission operations. Whether discussing projectile motion with trajectory officers or asking astronauts about life in orbit, these live broadcasts turn complex mathematics into real-world connections between classrooms and the stars.

NASA utilizes its Digital Learning Network (DLN) to connect students across the country with live mission operations. These broadcasts allow learners to interact with the International Space Station Flight Control Team, including astronauts, scientists, and specialized officers like Joe Pascucci, the ISS Trajectory Operations Officer at Johnson Space Center. By participating in these live broadcasts, students gain a rare perspective on the technical complexities of spaceflight.

The educational opportunities vary by program and age. To illustrate, 35 eighth-graders via the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's True2U program joined astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor for a 20-minute Q&A during NASA's 'Year of Education on Station'. Such events often occur at specific facilities, such as the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, where students can explore specialized environments like the Simulated Lunar Operations (SLOPE) Laboratory. Beyond the video calls, these educational initiatives often feature hands-on activities like structural design challenges using straws. Participants may also attend career panels or visit advanced facilities to observe augmented and virtual reality demonstrations.

These sessions are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom studies and practical application. Students studying AP Calculus, for instance, can see how the mathematics of forces and projectile motion are applied in real-time by flight controllers. By observing mission control operations and engaging with experts, students gain direct insight into the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Such direct engagement helps demystify the rigorous work performed at mission control centres. It transforms abstract concepts into tangible career pathways for the next generation of scientists.

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