Utah kids interact with astronauts on International Space Station

RIVERDALE, Utah (ABC4) — Kids attending STAR Camp at the Utah Military Academy in Riverdale got the chance to talk to astronauts currently on board the International Space Station on Friday.

NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers participated in the special Earth-to-space call Friday morning. McClain and Ayers responded to a range of questions submitted by the STAR camp participants.

The event gave students the opportunity to engage directly with astronauts who are in outer space at this very moment. Event organizers said it helps youth better understand what may be out there.

Executive Director at STAR Camp, Annika Jensen, said the event supports their mission, which is simply to help people understand space, as well as to get people excited about space STEM and space education and exploration.

“The world of space exploration is so huge and basically no matter what you’re interested in there, there’s a job for you,” Jensen expressed.

In total, astronauts answered 27 questions from students attending the camp. For more information on STAR CAMP programs, visit the Douglas Space and Science Foundation website here.