Heritage High School students to communicate with astronauts

Heritage students participating in the Plant the Moon Challenge will have an opportunity to speak with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station. The Earth-to-space call will air live on Tuesday, Jan. 9, from approximately 1:05 – 1:25 p.m. The event can be viewed in real-time on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the NASA website. Students’ questions will be answered by NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara, Flight Engineer.*

The event, hosted by the Virginia Space Consortium, will include participating middle and high school students from six states and Puerto Rico. The International Space Station downlink is an opportunity for students and teachers to learn first-hand about living and working in space, what life is like for an astronaut in microgravity, and how to translate the research happening in space into their everyday lives, PTMC projects and classrooms.

“Anytime we can provide students with authentic, real-world experiences, we do,” said Heritage Principal Jeff Adam. “The Plant the Moon project is an example of this because it allows students to put their learning into practice. Students will be making connections that could influence their educational and career pathways and their understanding of what is possible. Plus, talking to astronauts is just really cool!”

Science teacher Amy Goodyear leads the Plant the Moon Challenge for Heritage High School. “It is very exciting for my students participating in the Plant the Moon challenge to speak to Astronaut O’Hara on the International Space Station,” Goodyear said. “I couldn’t be prouder of my students and how they step up to meet challenges like Plant the Moon, and grateful to have the support of the Heritage High School administration, allowing students to participate in these innovative programs – reaching for the stars!”

*Please be advised that time and crew member are subject to change due to the fluid nature of space flight.