COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Miles above Crayton Middle School the International Space Station brought a kind of interstellar Skype session to a captivated audience.
Crayton is one of three schools from across the country selected to spend 20 minutes talking with astronauts on the International Space Station.
Students came up with thoughtful questions and 20 were chosen to present them to the astronauts. Their questions ran the gamut from the everyday to the introspective -- all fielded from orbit.
The students are part of Crayton's International baccalaureate program.
"Students learn to be good global citizens and they're very concerned with issues not just in their community but around the world as well," said teacher Ann Corbone.
And after today, out of this world, too.
Alexis Alston was looking for some inspiration.
"What obstacles did you go through to become an astronaut?" she asked.
Alston is interested in science but isn't sure what she wants to do.
"The first time I applied I was not selected, the second time I was also not selected, and finally on the third time I was," Commander Dan Burbank told the students. "So, persistence even if you don't succeed is real important to me."
"It is an inspiration," said Alston. "They put their heads into it and that's what your best can get you."
"This is something no normal 7th grader would be able to go through so it was a true honor to do it," Alston continued.
The astronauts enjoyed the talk a well.
"Thanks for tuning in it was great to have you on board!"
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WISTV, a Raycom Media Station. 