## How Exciting Is It to Talk to an Astronaut in Space?

Last week, students at Wick High School in the north of Scotland got a chance to speak directly with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk over a radio. This was the very first amateur‑radio link between Scotland and the International Space Station (ISS). The kids spent months getting ready, and finally they sent their questions up to space and heard live answers.

### Why Is This Important?

Space sparks our imagination. Talking straight to an astronaut makes science and technology feel real and fun. It also shows what daily life is like up there, answering the question, “What does a day in space look like?”

### Getting Ready

The students wrote questions together, talked them over with teachers, and set up the radio gear. Doing this taught them teamwork, communication, and some technical skills. Then they gathered all their questions and had a live chat with an astronaut far above the Earth.

### Joshua Kutryk’s Answers

- **What Space Movies Get Wrong**
Rory asked, “What do space movies always get wrong?” Joshua replied, “They make everything look easy! In real life, everything is hard—even brushing your teeth!” This funny story shows that even simple chores are tough in space.

- **Going Outside the ISS**
Charlie wondered what astronauts do when they have to go outside the station. Joshua said, “We’ll go out soon to fix equipment, just like you would repair a cooling system at home.” So, space also needs maintenance.

- **Skills Needed to Be an Astronaut**
Jude asked, “What skills do you need to become an astronaut?” Joshua answered, “Good health and fitness are a must. You also need to be an expert in something you love. Flying was my biggest passion. Find your own passion and focus on it!”

- **Games Played in Space**
The kids wanted to know what games astronauts play. Joshua said, “We have a deck of cards and play games just like you do on Earth.” Even in space, there’s time for fun.

- **Breaking Things**
Kytryk asked, “Do astronauts break things a lot?” Joshua replied, “Yes, but usually small things. If something big breaks, we fix it right away because everything is important.”

### Science and History Bits

- **What Is the ISS?**
The International Space Station started in 1998 and is built by 15 countries working together. Astronauts live there for about six months and do scientific experiments.

- **What Is Amateur Radio?**
Amateur radio lets hobbyists send and receive radio signals on their own. With this technology, we can even talk to astronauts up in space.

### Did You Know?

- Brushing teeth in space is tricky because there is no gravity. Toothpaste floats, so astronauts hold a tiny tube and brush carefully.
- The cards used for games on the ISS are specially made so they don’t float away in zero‑gravity.

### Questions Kids Might Ask

1. **Is there air in space?** – Yes, the ISS has filters that keep the air clean and breathable.
2. **How much water do astronauts drink?** – About 2 liters a day, split into 2‑3 drinks.
3. **How is food prepared in space?** – Meals come in sealed, dried packets that astronauts rehydrate and eat.

### How This Affects Kids

The experience boosts interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). It also builds teamwork, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Learning about real life in space expands imagination and encourages kids to become future scientists, engineers, or astronauts.

### Summary

Students at Wick High School had a live radio chat with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk. They learned about the challenges of living in space, daily activities, and the skills astronauts need. The event answered many space‑related curiosities and strengthened the kids’ scientific thinking. In the future, more children can have similar experiences and step into the world of space and science.