How cool is it when the Atlantis astronauts can share their mission experiences with us Earthlings, right from space? That’s right. Yup. Who would have believed it possible? NASA astronauts Leland Melvin and Robert Satcher are sending tweets from outer space while on their STS-129 mission. These messages are a great way to keep your kids interested in the on-going mission.
NASA’s new interplanetary Internet was tested out aboard the International Space Station a while ago. This was the first step in what NASA says is a communication network that will span the solar system. How is this even possible? Through the science of technology NASA has set up a system where transmissions won’t be interrupted by pesky planets or comets getting in the way.
The six astronauts aboard Atlantis will make three spacewalks over the course of eleven days. Yesterday the crew docked at the International Space Station, and their first space walk was scheduled for today.
Below are the latest tweets from the astronauts currently cruising outer space on Atlantis.
Robert Satcher, Mission Specialist (Astro_Bones):
“Launch was amazing! 7.7 million pounds of thrust, mach 25, microgravity in less than 9 minutes! Awesome.” (sent on 11/18)
Leland Melvin (Astro-Flow):
“An amazingly beautiful launch & long day. Looked out the overhead window thru my wrist mirror. To all who helped make it happen Thank you.” (sent on 11/17)
The following websites are great resources to keep your kids interested in science, space and our solar system.
- StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers
- Kids and Space
- Solar System Fun – NASA Science
- Space for kids - the moon, stars, planets and NASA
- Astronomy for Kids
Related article you may find of interest:
Space shuttle Atlantis: Launch sparks kids' interest in science
To receive future articles by Jackie Kass, scroll to the top of this article, and click on SUBSCRIBE. Your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone else. Do you have a story idea? I'd love to hear from you! E-mail your ideas to me at jackiekass@bellsouth.net.
Comments