Nebraska 4-H is proud to host Launching Nebraska-nauts, an in-flight educational downlink connecting students across Nebraska to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Through this once-in-a-lifetime experience, educators and students across Nebraska will have the opportunity to interact with astronauts through a question-and-answer session. An in-person experience will be hosted at Raising Nebraska in Grand Island on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 including learning opportunities, guest speakers, and exhibits for participants to interact with! Satellite sites will also be selected across the state, where students and educators may also join in person. Students are also invited to submit questions to be considered for the downlink session. Students of all ages and classes of all grade levels are invited to participate. Educators are encouraged to utilize the pre- and post-event lessons and activities with students who will be engaged in the in-flight downlink experience.
mission details
Launch Date
With ideal conditions, we expect to launch on October 13, 2021.
Mission Control
The in-person experience will be hosted at Raising Nebraska in Grand Island.
Satellite Sites
Satellite sites will be established across Nebraska so that all youth have an opportunity to engage.
Schedule of Events
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 - 10:00 am | Participant Registration / Exhibit Booth Expo |
| 10:00 - 10:30 am | Welcome / Panel Discussion – Watch it live! |
| 10:30 - 11:00 am | Station #1 |
| 11:00 - 11:05 am | Transition |
| 11:05 - 11:30 am | Station #2 |
| 11:35 - 11:40 am | Transition |
| 11:40 am - 12:45 pm | Lunch / Downlink / Exhibit Booth Expo – Watch the Livestream Recording |
| 12:50 - 1:20 pm | Station #3 |
| 1:20 - 1:25 pm | Transition |
| 1:25 - 1:55 pm | Station #4 |
| 2:00 - 2:30 pm | Panel Discussion – Watch it live! |
| 2:30 - 3:00 pm | Closing / Exhibit Booth Expo / Evaluation |
Pre-Launch & Post-Launch Activities
Whether you're joining us at Mission Control, tuning in from a Satellite Site, or not able to participate in the live experience, earn your mission badge by completing the pre-launch and post-launch activities!
Submit Artwork
Students across Nebraska in grades K-12 are invited to submit their space exploration, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), or human exploration themed artwork! Students are encouraged to use their creativity through any medium, such as drawing, painting, digital, sculpture, etc., but artwork must be submitted digitally.
Join Us Live
A limited number of students and educator will be able to attend the live, in-person event at Raising Nebraska.
Host a Satellite Site
We're looking for satellite sites across the state to host live, in-person experiences for local students and educators. Satellite site coordinators will be expected to attend a mission briefing, and individual/group registration is still required. Three levels of participation are available for those interested in hosting satellite sites:
- Level I - only participate in the in-flight education downlink
- Level II - participate in the panel discussion and the in-flight education downlink
- Level III - participate in the panel discussion, station activities (lessons with supplies lists will be provided), and the in-flight education downlink
Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
We're looking for sponsors and exhibitors for our live event. Make a financial donation to support the Launching Nebraska-nauts program, or sign up for an interactive booth space during the live event at Raising Nebraska on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.
Thank You
youth who submitted questions
Through the in-flight education downlink experience, youth had the opportunity to submit their questions for the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Youth in PreK through 12th grade from across Nebraska were invited to submit their questions. Due to time limitations, only a handful were selected, but we want to thank all 118 youth who submitted their questions!
Thank You to These Inquisitive Youth
Meet the Flight Crew
program director
technical specialist
communications specialist
mission control liaison
