Talking to an Astronaut!

Sam's school was chosen as only one of a few in the country to make contact with the International Space Station and ask questions to one of it's astronauts.  It was an exciting announcement for the school.  We were even more excited when we found out that Sam was going to be one of the twelve students selected to ask questions.  
His school made a connection with ham radios to talk to astronaut Mike Hopkins in space. Sam and I spent some time reading about what was happening on the space station and used that information to help him form his questions.  He asked Mike Hopkins what experiments he was working on in space.   His second question about the effect of space on your body ended up being asked by another student but Sam was able to ask another question instead.  
I was able to go and sit in the library to watch the kids make contact.  Everyone was a little worried since a school in New York had, had trouble earlier in the week making contact and were only able to talk for two minutes of their allotted nine minute window before the space station would not be able to pick up the signal.  After one failed attempt to connect it was so exciting to hear "Good morning Rock Bridge Elementary this is astronaut Mike Hopkings on the International Space Station."   Many of the adults in the room talked about getting goosebumps.  The kids were excited but I'm not sure they grasped just how cool and great of an opportunity this really was.  
They were also lucky that Dr. Godwin, a former astronaut who lives in our community, was there for the experience and stayed and answered even more questions for 45 minutes after the kids talked to Mr. Hopkins.   Sam was thrilled about the whole experience and I think it was one he will not soon forget. 

Sam waiting to make contact with the space station. 

Sam asking his question of astronaut Mike Hopkins.