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Caribou Today
By the People, for the People
Brunswick Students Talk to Astronauts Orbiting Earth
Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary students connect live with astronauts Jessica Meir and Christopher Williams aboard the International Space Station.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:43pm
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Students at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School in Brunswick, Maine had the opportunity to speak live with astronauts Jessica Meir, a native of Caribou, Maine, and Christopher Williams aboard the International Space Station. The event, presented by the Challenger Learning Center of Maine, allowed the fifth graders to ask the astronauts questions about life in space and their work on the ISS.
Why it matters
This event provided a unique opportunity for the students to directly interact with astronauts, including a Mainer, and learn about the realities of living and working in space. It helps inspire the students to pursue their own dreams of space exploration and highlights Maine's connection to the space program.
The details
The students prepared thoughtful questions for the astronauts, ranging from scientific inquiries to more lighthearted topics like the funniest things to do in space. The astronauts answered the students' questions while floating in microgravity, demonstrating the unique environment of the ISS. The event was organized by the Challenger Learning Center of Maine, part of a network founded by the families of the Challenger explosion astronauts.
- The event took place on Friday, March 20, 2026.
- Astronaut Jessica Meir left for the International Space Station just last month.
The players
Jessica Meir
An astronaut from Caribou, Maine who is the first woman from Maine to travel to space. She is currently aboard the International Space Station.
Christopher Williams
An astronaut who is aboard the International Space Station along with Jessica Meir.
Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School
An elementary school in Brunswick, Maine where the students participated in the live video call with the astronauts.
Challenger Learning Center of Maine
A learning center that organized the event, part of a network founded by the families of the astronauts lost in the Challenger explosion of 1986.
Maria Palopoli
A fifth grade science teacher at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School who has a lifelong fascination with space.
What they’re saying
“My absolute favorite place to see from up here is the state of Maine.”
— Jessica Meir, Astronaut
“(It was surprising) how Jessica could stand on the roof.”
— Cutler Kanwit, 10-year-old student
“Ever since these kids have been alive, someone's been living in space. As long as I've been alive, there wasn't always someone living in space. It was unusual and rare, and I'm honored to be picked.”
— Maria Palopoli, Fifth grade science teacher
What’s next
The Challenger Learning Center of Maine plans to continue organizing similar live events for students to connect with astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
The takeaway
This event not only inspired the students to pursue their dreams of space exploration, but also highlighted the connection between Maine and the space program, showing that anyone from anywhere can achieve their goals with passion and drive.
