As a joint project with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Maryland Science Center and Francis Scott Key School, our "Key Kids" had an opportunity that very few students around the world have ever had. We met in SpaceLink at the Maryland Science Center where the SpaceLink exhibit enabled us to see Mike and Gennady as they took time out of their [very] busy schedule to speak with us and answer our questions.
Our visit was a follow-up activity to an experiment that SpaceLink had previously had performed on board the Space Station. The experiment involved a Chicken Shake and was entitled, "How Do You Play the Maracas in Space?" We had been given the opportunity to observe the experiment and to formulate our own questions about it. We were also curious about music [in general] and its role in space travel. We asked many questions about life aboard the Space Station - because six months is a long time to be away from home!
It was interesting to know that musical instruments do work in the microgravity of space - but they may not always act the way we expect them to. In addition to playing the "Chicken Shake" maracas, Gennady told us he plays the guitar and Mike told us he plays the harmonica.
Other questions included: "I play the drums. How do you think drums and cymbals would sound in space?" - "Do you enjoy music aboard the Space Station? If so, what do you listen to?" - What does it take to be an Astronaut or Cosmonaut? Did you go to a special school?" - "Not everything works right all the time. What kinds of problems do you have in space?" - "What was it like to do a space walk?" - "When I move around on Earth I use my leg muscles. What muscles do you use most to move around the space station?"
We would like to thank Mr. Flavio Mendez, Mr. Jim O'Leary and the Staff at SpaceLink; the "crew" at NASA; and the Expedition IX Crew, Mike and Gennady. "These live events can be inspiring, especially to students," said Mendez. "We hope this event sparks the imagination of these students and encourages them to follow careers in science, math and technology."
The event was broadcast (worldwide) on NASA TV and was simulcast on NASA's internet site. There was also coverage in the local media, especially WBAL TV and FOX 45. After all, it is not every day that we get to reach for the stars - and actually make contact.
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