An out of this world zoom call. On October 25th, 5th grade students from the Miraflores school in Brazil had the opportunity to participate in an International Space talk with the writer and scientist Jonna Ocampo, the 6th Grade Science Teacher at Boeckman Middle School in Farmington, Minnesota, and Education Outreach for CD-SEAS Mission Microgravity, Todd Kohorst, and KSCIA International Space Academy representative in Brazil, José Carlos.

The initiative, promoted by the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, provided a ludic space for students to ask questions related to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, in addition to learning about the life of a space explorer. The conversation covered topics such as NASA's Artemis mission and the goal to send women to the Moon.

Dressed as an astronaut, student Gustavo asked about “what is needed to travel to outer space”. To facilitate the understanding of everyone in the class, the author of the book "Henry the astronaut" made an analogy to bring the students closer to the reality of an astronaut´s life. “The capsule where the crew is located is small, it's like being stuck in the same classroom for a year without being able to leave,” she explained, pointing out the importance of prior training and teamwork in space missions.

After the students' doubts were clarified, Professor Todd showed some space artifacts he has in his classroom. Objects included a NASA mission-themed PIN and a photo autographed by astronaut Michael Hopkins. At the end of the live, Jonna asked who would like to become an astronaut, to which half of the students raised their hands in the air shouting “Me!”.

To learn more about the foundation and its activities, visit: http://www.michaelisfoundation.org/
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-Luma Kelly
MFGE International Correspondent

An event that seeks to inspire the next generation of space explorers. A company that proposes a disruptive way to meet the demand for small satellite launchers. Separately, the Michaelis Foundation and Vaya Space were already working towards the passion for the scientific world, but now together, they are even stronger.

The beginning of a new era. This is how the leader of the advances in Vaya's activities in Latin America, Darcton Damião, described the partnership with Science Days. He pointed out that "the aerospace industry is no longer the exclusive domain of robust government space programs, born in the Cold War period, to become something within the reach of all those who meet a much simpler requirement than obtaining a restricted access badge".

In an unprecedented educational partnership, the proposal for collaboration between the institutions will provide internship opportunities for young people in the near future along with continuous opportunities for engagement in the aerospace sector. Darcton explained that by contributing to a project focused on stimulating the growing desire for continuous learning, "Vaya Space is, in effect, sowing the seeds that guarantee the future of the industry in which it operates and intends to lead one day".

A great learning process. Through his “unique” experience – as he characterized the opportunity to be part of the team working in the first orbital launch to be carried out in Brazil – Darcton seeks to inspire Science Days participants, alongside other professionals in the field. “As an educator, I intend to encourage them with concrete examples of how the aerospace sector constitutes what is currently the most attractive frontier of scientific knowledge”, he explained.

“We had been waiting for a moment like this since the beginning of the expansion of Science Days in Brazil. Now, we get to witness the realization of this long awaited dream:  in addition to having the participation in all Science Days of brilliant minds of scientists, researchers, engineers and professionals from various space agencies, we will also be pioneers bringing to Brazil training opportunities and potential space careers in this incredible area we call the “New Space”. – Jefferson Michaelis

During Science Days, students will be able to interact with Darcton and other mentors in the space area through lectures and other activities. For more information about Science Days, please visit: http://www.ScienceDays.org

Special thanks to Vaya Space (https://www.vayaspace.com ) for its special dedication  to our project.
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Luma Keily – International Correspondent