Students from 20 schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) made history on Saturday as they interacted with Dr. Zena Cardman, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The event, organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, marked the first time such a live connection has taken place in Africa. The contact was facilitated through the ham radio system of the Amateur Radio of the International Space Station (ARISS), with support from its ground station in South Africa.

The session gave students a unique opportunity to learn about life in space, how astronauts conduct scientific research, and Nigeria’s growing footprint in the global space community. It also highlighted the country’s commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, described the interaction as an inspiring milestone. “We are now at the fourth industrial revolution, powered by AI and robotics, and the space agency is a research institution with massive international presence and collaboration,” he said.

“We had the opportunity to bring our secondary school children to interface with the astronaut in the outer space at International Space Station and the excitement is close to none,” Adepoju added.

He emphasised that the programme was designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in young learners. “We brought a programme like this to boost the confidence of the students, boost their ego and that will also take them closer to their dreams and aspirations,” he said.

Adepoju also called on schools to strengthen partnerships with NASRDA. “We urge schools to continually engage NASRDA in their science-related programmes. The agency will always support educational initiatives that promote science and technology in Nigeria,” he assured.

The highlight of the event came when students asked Dr. Cardman a range of questions—from how astronauts recycle water in space and stay in touch with their families, to how microgravity and radiation affect genetic makeup in agricultural products.

One of the students, Sharon Imoke of New Hope International School, said she felt inspired after her question on agriculture in space was answered. “I was excited, and I am now considering changing my earlier career choice of studying Medicine to Agricultural Science,” she said.

Certificates of participation were later presented to all schools, including Astute Montessori School, Kuje; Hillside School; Islamic Leadership Academy; New Hope International School; and Junior Secondary School Area 11.

Dr. Cardman, who is currently commanding NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission launched on August 1, 2025, spent ten minutes responding to 20 questions during the live exchange, making it a memorable experience for Nigerian students