Students in Emporia and Lyon County will have an out-of-this-world opportunity, quite literally, very soon, thanks to Emporia State University.
ESU announced this past Tuesday that, thanks to a partnership with the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, it will be one of four schools selected for an opportunity for students to speak in real time with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Proposing the opportunity were ESU associate professor in the School of Science and Mathematics Erika Martin, STEM Outreach Coordinator Daphne Mayes, and Peterson Planetarium Director, Mark Brown and outreach and engagement coordinator for the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, Alexandra Hayes.
Brown, Martin and Mayes recently joined KVOE’s Morning Show to discuss the recent announcement, with Brown explaining exactly how the opportunity came about.
Martin says it is not uncommon to have a chance to learn about space exploration from those who have experienced it firsthand, but to be able to do so as they are actually in the middle of a mission is something that doesn’t happen every day.
The exact date for when the university will make contact with the ISS has yet to be determined; however, leading up to that moment, the university will be working closely with local schools, venues and businesses to provide several educational seminars and activities. Mayes says she is very excited for the partnerships that have already developed and those that will over the course of the next several weeks.
Additional information and details on the contact and related activities will be shared through Emporia State University, with details being made available at Emporia.edu. KVOE News will provide updates on any developments as they come about.
