Special to IFN

A group of fourth- and fifth-grade students attending the Mooresville Graded School District’s two intermediate schools experienced an extraordinary event on Wednesday, connecting live with NASA astronaut Suni Williams aboard the International Space Station where she has been since June 2024.

Students from East Mooresville Intermediate and Mooresville Intermediate had the opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand about life and work in space.

The event, facilitated through a collaboration between NASA and the school district, was a special opportunity for the students and provided a real-world connection to STEM careers

Astronaut Williams made sure to show students the planet earth through a window at the International Space Station and shared that they experience 16 sunrises and sunsets in a day. She also gave the students a tour of their laboratory. The students were amused watching her do flips and “fly” through the space station.

During the video call, students asked Astronaut Williams a variety of questions, including:

♦ How do you stay active in space and do you sweat? (Mason, fifth grade, EMIS)

Williams explained that they have a bike and a treadmill (the treadmill is located on the wall) that works using bungees that attach to a harness. They also have a resistance machine to assist with maintaining bone density since bones start to deteriorate in space. She also said that they sweat a lot!

♦ What is an unforgettable memory on your spacewalk? (Harshitha, fifth grade, EMIS)

Williams said when she was over the northern hemisphere and looking down and watching the aurora borealis from above, instead of looking up from earth, it was amazing.

♦ What does it feel and sound like in outer space when on a spacewalk? (Andrew, fifth grade, MIS)

Williams told the students that it feels hot when the sun comes up. She described how a space suit has 17 layers because it is approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit outside of the space station. Likewise, it feels cold when the sun goes down because it swings to about -250 degrees Fahrenheit. She said that you do not hear anything in space unless you can put your hand on it and feel the vibration because sound is the result of a vibration.

♦ What are you looking forward to most when you return to earth? (Will, fourth grade, MIS)

Williams said seeing her family again. She said a close second is experiencing rain falling on her head, as well as laying down to go to sleep.

MGSD Superintendent Jason Gardener said the event was an “an incredible experience” for the students.

“To see and speak with an astronaut in space is something they will never forget. We are so grateful to NASA, Astronaut Williams, and everyone who helped make this possible.”