# NASA Astronauts to Answer Questions from Florida Students International Space Station crew members engage with students via live STEM Q&A session. - **Source:** [NASA – Recently Published](https://www.nasa.gov) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/84f14b5b-47b6-4b84-adee-adc6e1cb7151 ## Live Orbital Connection NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney will conduct a live Earth-to-space call with students in Florida. The event is scheduled for 10:40 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Participants from Freedom Crossing Academy and the local community will hear direct responses to prerecorded STEM questions from the International Space Station. ## Educational Outreach Objectives This initiative aims to deepen student understanding of complex space exploration concepts. By engaging directly with active astronauts, the program seeks to enhance awareness regarding potential STEM career paths. The session is specifically designed for students ranging from kindergarten through grade 12, fostering early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ## Digital Access Details The entire interaction will be broadcast live to the public via the Learn With NASA YouTube channel. Media representatives wishing to cover the event must submit their RSVP by 5 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 9. Interested parties should contact Christina Upchurch via phone or email to secure their participation in this coverage. ## Space Station Legacy The International Space Station has maintained a continuous human presence for over 26 years. This long-term habitation allows for scientific research breakthroughs that are physically impossible to replicate on Earth. The facility serves as a critical laboratory for testing technologies and human endurance required for future deep space exploration missions. ## Artemis Program Foundation Insights gained from the space station are vital for NASA's broader strategic goals. The agency uses these orbital missions to build a foundational knowledge base for long-duration travel. This preparation is essential for upcoming crewed missions to the Moon under the Artemis program and eventual human exploration of the planet Mars. ## Commercial Orbit Expansion Beyond pure scientific research, the space station plays a role in expanding commercial opportunities within low Earth orbit. NASA actively works to overcome the unique challenges of human spaceflight to facilitate private sector involvement. This transition helps create a sustainable ecosystem for future orbital activities and supports broader aerospace industry growth. ## Training and Preparation The featured astronauts, pilot Luke Delaney and commander Jessica Watkins, are part of the SpaceX Crew-13 mission. They have undergone rigorous training sessions at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California, to prepare for their orbital duties. Their current mission highlights the ongoing collaboration between government space agencies and private commercial aerospace partners. ## Future Educational Impact These in-flight education downlinks represent a recurring effort by NASA to inspire the next generation of scientists. By bridging the gap between orbital research and classroom learning, the agency maintains a pipeline of talent for future missions. Continued public engagement remains a cornerstone of NASA's strategy to sustain long-term space exploration. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-astronauts-to-answer-questions-from-florida-students-2/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._