Space Ace Video: Questions and Answers with Astronaut Leland Melvin
Are you fascinated by the wonders of space as much as we are?
We had so much fun talking with NASA Astronaut Leland Melvin about his experiences in space. Leland flew two missions on the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2008 and 2009, spending about 24 days in space. We could tell you more, but Leland explains it better, so click the arrow above to watch!
Then have fun exploring these questions with family and friends:
1) After hearing Leland’s description of going to space, would you like to travel to space someday? Why or why not?
2) What are some strengths or virtues that you see in Leland?
3) Leland described how his perspective changed when he viewed Earth from space and could see all people as one human family. What are some things or experiences that help you remember we’re all one human family?
4) Leland talked about the amazing experience of seeing the beauty of the vivid blue ocean from space. What are some wonders of nature that are amazing to you (whether you’ve seen them in real life or not)?
5) When you’re in a situation where there’s not a lot of people who look like you, Leland suggested focusing on people who support you and finding a mentor. Who are some of the people you turn to for support when you’re in a challenging situation?
6) Leland said, “The more diverse people you have, the better solutions you have. You can solve problems better when there are more people that have a different way of thinking.” Think of a time when you learned something cool from someone whose background or experience was different from your own. What did you learn? What was it like?
7) When he lost his hearing in a training accident, Leland persevered and didn’t give up on his dream of flying on a mission to space. What’s a time when you faced a tough challenge and didn’t give up? What helped you keep going?
8) Leland encourages kids to be curious about STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. What are some careers that you’re curious about? What things do you get excited about exploring?
9) What question would you like to ask an astronaut or space scientist? (If you send your question to brilliant@usbnc.org, we may use it in a future “Space Ace” video or magazine feature. We’d also love to know what you think of this video and the questions above!