Bridging the gap between Kansas classrooms and the orbiting International Space Station

Space · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On a Wednesday in June, students in Hutchinson, Kansas, didn't just read about space exploration. They spoke directly to astronauts orbiting Earth, asking real-time questions about the complexities of life, scientific research, and the future of human spaceflight.

On Wednesday, June 19, NASA astronauts Chris Cassidy and Karen Nyberg, alongside members of the Expedition 36 crew, participated in a live air-to-ground downlink. The 20-minute event allowed students gathered at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center to engage with the crew currently orbiting aboard the International Space Station. The session commenced at 9:40 a.m. CDT, which corresponds to 10:40 a.m. EDT. This specific timing ensured the live communication reached the students during their scheduled morning activities.

This direct connection is a core element of NASA’s Teaching From Space education program. The initiative is designed to foster partnerships with the educational community by utilizing the unique environment of human spaceflight. By providing an authentic, live experience, the program aims to enhance learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across the United States. This series of educational downlinks is part of a broader effort to connect with various organizations throughout the United States. The goal is to strengthen the teaching and learning of STEM subjects through these unique orbital perspectives.

To prepare for the interaction, NASA activities were integrated into local Boys and Girls Club activities and summer programs at the Cosmosphere. The event, which was broadcast on NASA Television and the agency's website, allowed students to explore the scientific components of space travel and the potential for life in space through direct inquiry about the astronauts' work and daily lives in orbit. The Cosmosphere, which hosts these events, is situated at 1100 North Plum in Hutchinson, Kansas. Through this program, NASA builds lasting links with the broader education community using the human spaceflight program.

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