Nigerian Students Speak With NASA Astronaut Aboard ISS

By TOSI ORE

NIGERIAN students made history on Saturday as they connected with NASA astronaut Dr. Zena Cardman aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking Africa’s first live student–astronaut interaction.

The event, organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, was facilitated through Amateur Radio on the ISS, with a ground station in South Africa.

Students from 20 schools asked questions on life in space, covering topics like water recycling, family communication, and the impact of microgravity on agriculture. One student, Sharon Imoke, said the experience inspired her to reconsider her career path toward Agricultural Science.

NASRDA Director-General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, described the initiative as a landmark step to inspire young Nigerians in science and technology. He urged schools to partner with the agency to promote STEM education.

Dr. Cardman, currently commanding NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission, spent ten minutes answering questions, highlighting both the challenges and wonders of space exploration.