On Thursday, at 1:40 p.m., Dr. Barratt will connect live from the International Space Station for a special, 25-minute interactive session.
CAMAS – The Camas School District recently announced a unique opportunity for its students to engage with NASA Astronaut and Camas native Dr. Michael Barratt. On Thursday (May 23), at 1:40 p.m., Dr. Barratt will connect live from the International Space Station (ISS) for a special, 25-minute interactive session. This event will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing everyone to join this extraordinary experience.
Dr. Barratt, a Camas High School graduate, is currently part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, marking his third mission to the ISS. His previous missions were in 2009 and 2011. Dr. Barratt’s passion for space and science has roots in his early years in Camas, where he developed a love for astronomy and exploration.
During the live session, students from each school in the Camas School district will ask Dr. Barratt questions about life aboard the ISS, his scientific research, and his journey from Camas to becoming a NASA astronaut. This two-way audio and one-way video downlink will allow the audience to see Dr. Barratt in real time as he shares his experiences orbiting the Earth at over 17,000 miles per hour.
Dr. Barratt’s work on the ISS includes a variety of scientific experiments, studying everything from physics and biology to the effects of space on the human body. “Every system in the body changes when it gets into zero gravity — mostly it’s the body adapting to get to a place where it wants to be when there’s no gravity,” Dr. Barratt explained.
Superintendent John Anzalone expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and community to interact with a real-life astronaut who walked the same halls as many of our current students. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Barratt and grateful for his willingness to inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists.”
Camas School District staff members invite everyone to join this live event on the district’s Public Events page: bit.ly/camaslive. Participants can come together to celebrate science, exploration, and the incredible achievements of one of our own.
Event details:
- Date: May 23, 2024
- Time: 1:40 PM (Time subject to change)
- Where: Live at bit.ly/camaslive
About Camas School District
Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where each student experiences belonging and high-quality instruction. Our vision is for students to love to discover, learn, and grow in our community, engaging with curiosity and confidence for their futures.
Background Information on Dr. Michael Barratt
• Camas High School Graduate (1977)
• Three Missions to the ISS: 2009, 2011, and 2024
• Current Role: Part of SpaceX Crew-8 mission on the ISS
• Research Focus: Physics, Biology, and the Effects of Space on the Human Body
Information provided by the Camas School District.
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