Historic Space Connection

On October 11, students from Jaanimmarik High School in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as they connected with American astronaut Nick Hague aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The connection was made possible through a collaboration between NASA and the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, marking the third time this initiative has reached Kuujjuaq.

Electrifying Interaction

The moment was electrifying as the Italian space radio operator’s voice crackled through the speakers: “Nick, do you copy?” After a brief moment of static, Hague's response came through clearly: “Yes, I am ready for the questions.” The ISS was zooming 400 kilometers over Italy, traveling at an astonishing speed of 28,000 km/h, and time was of the essence. With only 10 minutes available for Q&A, 16 carefully crafted questions from students were ready to be delivered.

Curiosity and Challenges

Curious minds ventured into topics that spanned Hague's educational background to the unique challenges of life in space. One student inquired about the number of years it took him to become an astronaut, to which Hague responded he spent more than a decade in study and training. Another student asked how he enjoys his time while floating in zero gravity. Hague revealed, 'Just watching the continents and oceans drift by below is incredibly entertaining.' However, the astronaut had not come without his share of terrifying experiences. “My scariest moment has to be my first launch,” Hague divulged. “The rocket malfunctioned about two minutes into lift-off... that was a bit scary.” Despite the potential dangers of space travel, Hague's passion for exploration and education shone through.

A Memorable Experience

Ultimately, the students were able to pose 14 of their planned questions before the ISS drifted out of range, ending the unique connection. Fifth-grader Madison York expressed her astonishment: “I never thought I was going to actually speak to an astronaut in space! It was the coolest thing ever!” However, she admitted that she did not see herself as a future astronaut due to her claustrophobia, though she found the mathematics of space travel fascinating.

Reflections on the Event

Christina Lock, another student participant, reflected on how surreal the entire experience felt. Prior to the event, the students practiced with their teacher, which helped ease the nerves. “I never thought I would ever experience something like that,” Lock said, full of admiration for the mission's significance.

Global Reach of the Program

The project coordinator, Steve McFarlane, emphasized the global reach of the Amateur Radio program. Since its inception in 1983, it has connected students with astronauts worldwide, enriching their educational experiences and inspiring the next generation of explorers. “We have visited diverse locations, including South America and Antarctica, giving students unforgettable interactions with astronauts,” McFarlane added.

Unpredictable Connections

In a notable past instance, the connection with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield encountered interference when the team attempted to reach him at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Remarkably, Hadfield ended up calling in personally minutes later, proving the unpredictability and excitement of these space communications.

Inspiration for the Future

This year’s event not only inspired the students present but also served as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await those who dare to reach for the stars. With stories and experiences shared today, there’s no telling how many future astronauts, scientists, and dreamers might emerge from Kuujjuaq’s classrooms, ready to take on the universe!