Friday, June 28, 2024 at 4:34 p.m.
Casablanca – The Moroccan School of Engineering Sciences (EMSI) announced a live telecontact with the International Space Station (ISS), a “historic event” scheduled for next Monday, according to a press release from EMSI
This unique encounter will bring together students, faculty and special guests for a real-time interaction with astronaut Jeanette Epps, currently aboard the ISS.
The initiative is carried out in collaboration with prestigious space agencies such as the American NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), ESA (European Space Agency), ROSCOSMOS (Russian Space Agency) and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency). .
Jeanette Jo Epps is an American aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut. A graduate of the University of Maryland with an MS and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, she was selected for the 20th class of NASA astronauts in 2009 and graduated in 2011.
Currently a member of the ISS Operations Branch, Epps has participated in astronaut analog missions including NEEMO 18 and CAVES 19. She is the second woman and first African-American woman to participate in CAVES. Since March 4, 2024, she has been on a long-duration mission to the ISS as a member of SpaceX Crew-8.
This telecontact offers an exceptional opportunity for EMSI students to ask questions about scientific experiments carried out in space and about life in microgravity, explains the press release, noting that this exchange aims to strengthen students’ interest in space sciences and engineering, while positioning EMSI as a leading institution in the teaching of advanced technologies.
Quoted by the same source, the Director General of EMSI, Mohamed Essaidi declared that “we are delighted to be able to offer our students this exceptional opportunity to interact with a renowned astronaut like Jeanette Epps.
“This telecontact represents an important milestone for EMSI, illustrating our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and preparing our students to meet the technological challenges of tomorrow,” he stressed.
Direct interaction with an astronaut will inspire students by providing a unique perspective on careers in science and engineering. “Seeing and speaking to an astronaut on a mission will allow them to visualize the possibilities these fields offer. This can transform dreams into concrete ambitions, showing that with work and determination, they can also reach the stars,” notes the press release, specifying that in addition, this exceptional experience will promote their scientific curiosity and encourage further research. constant of knowledge.
Students will also have the opportunity to hone their science communication skills. Asking insightful questions and listening to Epps’ detailed answers will help them better understand how to articulate complex concepts and effectively share scientific ideas. This will give them confidence in their ability to interact with top experts and actively participate in scientific discussions.
This event will also enhance EMSI’s international visibility, highlighting its commitment to innovation and academic excellence. By hosting an event of this magnitude, EMSI positions itself as a forward-thinking institution, capable of providing its students with rare and valuable opportunities.
