IT WAS one giant leap for scout-kind when more than 100 intrepid Leamington youngsters got to speak to a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
The local scouts had the rare opportunity to host a live Q&A session with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim aboard the ISS, 400km above the earth.
In preparation for this cosmic conversation, the scouts have been working toward their Space Activity Badge, introduced last year through a pioneering partnership with the UK Space Agency.
Eight year-old cub scout Owen said: “I’m so excited that I got to speak to a real astronaut in space. We’ve been learning about space at cubs, and we got our questions answered by an astronaut.”
The Leamington scouts also etched their names into UK history by having the highest number of questions answered by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
This extraordinary achievement was made possible through Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), a volunteer-led initiative that connects young people with space exploration.
Adding to the milestone, the group became the first UK participants since 2018 to establish visual contact with an astronaut via Ham TV, bringing space one step closer to earth.
Gavin Gill, a beaver team leader at 1st Radford Semele Scout Group continued: ”It’s a true privilege to have been chosen to make contact with the ISS. The activities we have completed in the lead up to this big day have impacted and inspired our young people. Witnessing some of the joy and excitement first hand has made it all worthwhile.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for our young people to speak to an astronaut and find out what life is like onboard the ISS. They’re the future leaders in STEM – and I believe this opportunity will inspire them for years to come”
And ahead of the event, ESA astronaut and scout ambassador Tim Peake offered words of encouragement:
He said: “Scouts was the first step for me becoming an astronaut. After working alongside some of the most talented space industry professionals in the world, it’s wonderful to see a new generation of young people developing the skills that set me off on my own journey into space.
“I’m thrilled that scouts in Leamington are speaking with astronauts aboard the ISS – it’s the perfect opportunity to learn more from those living there. Who knows, maybe this is the moment that inspires another Scout to head to space?”
