Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marked a historic moment for Emporia State University as area students spoke directly with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station using amateur radio. The event took place at Emporia State’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center and was viewed by audiences both in person and via livestream.
The day began with the launch of the livestream, videos about the event, hands-on activities and a brief introduction by ESU STEM staff before students participated in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The packed event was attended by more than 70 students and guests. Additional partner venues hosted viewing parties at William Allen White Library, Radius Brewing Company and the Lyon County History Center.
During the approximately 10-minute communication window, students from multiple grade levels representing USD 251, USD 252 and USD 253 asked 22 questions in rapid succession to European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot aboard the ISS.
Following the contact, ESU’s ARISS tech mentor and director of communications for ARISS USA, Ryan Krenzischek, shared a message directly from the astronauts aboard the ISS: “These questions were so interesting! Loved it!”
Radio operations were handled by Tim East and Charles Wells of the Emporia Amateur Radio Society.
The opportunity was made possible after Emporia State was selected by ARISS, or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, which works in collaboration with NASA to coordinate communication windows that connect students with astronauts. Emporia State is one of only four schools nationwide selected for the honor during this period.
The event represented the culmination of months of planning led by Erika Martin, associate professor of biological sciences in ESU’s School of Science and Mathematics.
In advance of the contact, ESU’s STEM Outreach team and partners hosted multiple related activities, including after-school programs, planetarium shows and an escape room activity. The team included Martin; Mark Brown, Peterson Planetarium director and NASA Solar System Ambassador; Daphne Mayes, ESU STEM outreach director; Alexandra Hayes, PAROC outreach director and a team of ESU students.
The focus on space-related learning and communication will continue following the astronaut contact, with additional community sessions planned. The experience highlighted the importance of STEM education for students while showcasing the unique learning and outreach opportunities Emporia State provides to both students and the community.
A recording of the livestream is available at emporia.edu/ariss and on YouTube.
Pictured above: Middle school students from Emporia, North Lyon County and Southern Lyon County school districts wrote questions that they then asked European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, who answered them from the International Space Station in real time.