ISS Downlink Program Information

ISS Downlink Informational Session

What is an ISS Downlink?

In-Flight Education Downlinks are opportunities for students and educators to interact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through twenty-minute live Q&A sessions. Downlinks are available to U.S.-based education organizations.  The crew aboard the ISS will view pre-recorded questions asked by students in our community.  We will watch the astronauts answer those questions live from the ISS.  The Q&A session will be broadcast on NASA+ and NASA TV app, and possibly other media outlets or watch parties.

Who can participate in the ISS Downlink event?

Participants MUST live in Rocky Hill and be students of Rocky Hill schools.  The event on the day of the ISS Downlink is open to residents of Rocky Hill and patrons of the Cora J. Belden library.

When will the ISS Downlink happen?

Due to ISS operations and scheduling, we have been provided with a 2-hour window of time of 11:00 am-1:00 pm on February 18, 2025 when the downlink may occur.  We will be provided with a 20-minute window closer to the event.  As a result, we have planned events with a fluid time-line to allow for last minute changes in their operational schedule.

How can I be involved?

We are asking school-aged people in Rocky Hill to submit their proposed question(s) that they would like an astronaut to answer live during the downlink.  Questions must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Acceptable question topics/ideas are: 
  • Living aboard the ISS
  • Research being conducted on the ISS
  • Technology used aboard the ISS
  • Expedition 72 crew member background or education
  • STEM-related topics (science, technology, engineering, math)
  • Encapsulate’s research
  • Careers related to NASA/space/ISS
• Your question MAY NOT ask about:
  • Religion
  • Politics
  • Personal questions (i.e. family, where they live, income, etc)
  • Bodily functions in space (including crying)
  • Aliens
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Robotics replacing astronauts (can ask about how robotics are used)

If you submit more than one question, only one of your questions may be selected.  We can only submit 20-25 questions and not all questions will get answered by the crew.

We are also seeking two students to present brief opening and closing remarks for the event.  In addition to being recorded, these students may also be asked to speak live at the event.  Auditions will be held at a future date for those interested in these roles. 

What if my question is chosen or I am chosen to be a speaker?

If you or your question are chosen, then you will be invited back to the library to be recorded.  Prior to recording, all chosen participants must complete a Talent Authorization Release.  Therefore, you must complete the permission slip with your question/application acknowledging that you will complete a Talent Authorization Release if you/your question is chosen.  Further, your question may be edited to conform to formatting guidelines.  Failure to return the Talent Authorization Release by the deadline will result in your question being dropped.

Will I have to memorize anything for the recording?

No!  Your question will be typed up for you to read while you are recorded.  If you are chosen to give opening/closing remarks, you will be provided with a script to read from during recording.

How do I submit my question or apply to be a speaker?

There is a Question Proposal form and an Opening/Closing Remarks audition form that you can fill out and return to the library.  These forms may be submitted to the Adult Circulation Desk just inside the main entrance to the right.  You can also fill out the online Question Proposal form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM0m72plRbVQNv_d-t9r_YlG7GF66-4uW-K9g8AtuvGPBHDg/viewform?usp=sf_link and/or the Opening/Closing Remarks online audition form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuX5nuH9ljQ6U7F-7Rv_DbtRggm8l3MCoiIxVW7Mcwjaj81A/viewform?usp=sf_link. These links will also be sent to the email address you registered with for this informational session.

Do some research!

Questions will be scored using a rubric.  The rubric’s scoring is based on questions that are relevant (to living/working in space, the crew’s education/qualifications needed to be an astronaut, research being conducted on the space station, etc), are appropriate (meets the provided guidelines), and show creativity.  Bonus if your question has a STEM focus.

You can learn all about the Expedition 72 crew here:  https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/expedition-missions/

and the missions here:  https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/search/?#q=&i=72&p=&c=&g=&s=&a=

You can even watch past downlinks here (to get an idea of questions that have already been asked/answered):  https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/in-flight-education-downlinks/