On the morning of Friday, May 7, students at Green Bank School in Pocahontas County experienced a once-in-a-lifetime event. At 8:45 a.m., for approximately 20-minutes, elementary and middle school students gathered in the gymnasium to speak with Mark Vande Hei, an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
“This was the culmination of something our teachers and students have been working on for a couple of years now,” Pocahontas County School Superintendent Terrance Beam told the West Virginia Daily News Friday afternoon. “It was a really, really neat opportunity. The kids got to ask several questions, and the astronaut answered them. It sounded very clear. There was no interference in the transmission at all.”
Beam concluded his statement by saying, “It’s great to have such positive things happening.”
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) selected Green Bank Elementary-Middle School for this opportunity after a lengthy and competitive application process.
ARISS is an international program that inspires students to pursue STEM careers.
Senator Joe Manchin also commented on the memorable occasion.
“West Virginia has a rich history contributing to NASA’s developments and achievements from the important contributions of ‘Hidden Figures’ Katherine Johnson and ‘Rocket Boys’ Homer Hickam to the many West Virginians working on NASA projects today,” Manchin said. “I want to congratulate Green Bank Elementary-Middle School for their remarkable achievement of being chosen for the Amatuer Radio on the International Space Station Program, where only a handful of schools across the world get selected for this opportunity. I am excited for the students to make contact with astronaut Mark Vande Hei on the International Space Station and hope his experience inspires and encourages the students to pursue jobs in STEM. I will continue to advocate for funding and resources for hands-on educational experiences and opportunities for students in the Mountain State.”
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.