MENG ARRANGES FOR NASA ASTRONAUT TO TALK WITH QUEENS STUDENTS LIVE FROM SPACE

QUEENS, NY – Today, dozens of students in Queens spoke live with a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station.

The event, arranged by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), featured Astronaut Dr. Jonny Kim answering questions from the students in a special Earth-to-space video call. It took place in the auditorium of the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

The students, who asked Kim various questions about working and living in space, consisted of local kids from first grade through twelfth grade. The event also included spectators from community organizations.

Kim launched to the International Space Station in April on his very first spaceflight and is on an eight-month mission where he and other astronauts are conducting scientific research in technology development, Earth science, biology, human research and more.

Meng serves as the top Democrat on the congressional committee that provides annual appropriations for NASA – the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies – and she is proud to have secured money for the space agency to fund missions like these.   

A child of South Korean immigrants in California, Kim became an astronaut in 2017 after serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL, receiving the Silver Star and Bronze Star, and earning a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Prior to travelling into space, his NASA assignments included support to the International Space Station Operations as a Capsule Communicator (CapCom) in Mission Control and an Increment Lead for Expedition 65. Kim also provided support to NASA’s Artemis mission to the Moon. In addition, he made history by becoming the first Korean American astronaut. 

Kim is also no stranger to Queens. In October 2022, Meng brought Kim to the borough where he met and spoke with area students at Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows and the Queens College School for Math, Science and Technology in Flushing. Meng and Kim also hosted a luncheon with local Korean American leaders in Flushing. During his trip to Queens, Meng introduced him to the students, and Kim talked about becoming an astronaut, space exploration, overcoming challenges and his remarkable life and career. 

“Local kids talking with a NASA astronaut live in space has made it a very exciting day in our borough,” said Congresswoman Meng. “As the top Democrat on the congressional committee that provides annual appropriations for NASA, I’m thrilled to have arranged this wonderful event, and I thank Jonny Kim for taking the time to answer questions from local students while aboard the International Space Station. Since he visited Queens in-person and is now speaking with us from space, this is kind of a full circle moment for Jonny. I commend him for the crucial work he is doing, and for continuing to inspire our young people who are the future of our country, and the next generation of leaders. Jonny is always welcome in Queens, whether in-person or talking to us from above our planet, and I know that we’ll continue to work together. I wish him all the best during the remainder of his mission and look forward to seeing him return to Earth in December. I thank NASA and the Hall of Science for being tremendous partners in making this event happen. I’m proud to support the crucial role that NASA plays in our country.”

"Today's NASA downlink is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary achievements possible when we invest in science, innovation, and the human spirit of exploration,” said Lisa Gugenheim, President and CEO of the New York Hall of Science. “This event will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to pursue careers in space travel and innovation, pushing the boundaries of human endeavor. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of Congresswoman Grace Meng, whose steadfast advocacy for NASA ensures that our nation continues to lead the world in space, inspiring future generations and driving progress that benefits every American."