Some Nigerian students in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday made history by interacting with Dr Zena Cardman, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The live contact — the first of its kind in Africa — was facilitated by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, using the ham radio of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) from its South African ground station.
The initiative was aimed at exposing students to life in space, scientific research aboard the ISS, and inspiring interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Speaking at the event, Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, described the session as a landmark in Nigeria’s space journey.
“We had the opportunity to bring our secondary school children to interface with an astronaut in outer space, and the excitement is close to none. This event will boost their confidence and bring them closer to their dreams and aspirations,” Adepoju said.
He urged schools to partner with NASRDA on science-related programmes, assuring that the agency would continue to support educational initiatives promoting STEM in Nigeria.
Students from 20 schools, including Astute Montessori School (Kuje), Hillside School, Islamic Leadership Academy, New Hope International School, and JSS Area 11, took part in the interactive session.
One participant, Sharon Imoke of New Hope International School, who asked about the effect of microgravity and satellite radiation on agricultural products, said the experience was life-changing.
“I was considering studying Medicine, but after today, I’m thinking about Agricultural Science,” she said.
Questions from other students touched on how astronauts recycle water, communicate with their families, and adapt to life in microgravity.
The astronaut, who is currently Commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission, responded to 20 questions within a 10-minute window. Crew-11 launched to the ISS on August 1, 2025.
Certificates of participation were later presented to the schools by NASRDA.
