Live Video Call Connects Finnish Children with Astronaut on International Space Station
A live video call was established on Wednesday from Heureka Science Centre in Vantaa to the International Space Station (ISS), allowing European children to pose questions to French astronaut Sophie Adenot. The event, organised by the European Space Agency (ESA), marked the fourth time Heureka has facilitated such a connection to space (Yle).
The call was broadcast live from Heureka’s auditorium, where Adenot’s responses were projected onto a large screen. Questions were collected in advance from children in Finland and four other European countries, focusing on daily life aboard the ISS (Ilta-Sanomat).
Daily Life in Space
Adenot addressed a range of practical topics, beginning with a question from a child in Bremen, Germany, about how astronauts sleep. She explained that she had slept well, describing the experience as comfortable. Astronauts rest in sleeping bags secured to the wall, a necessity in microgravity. Adenot demonstrated this by floating onto her side during the call (Ilta-Sanomat).
When asked about the taste of water in space, Adenot confirmed it tastes normal, despite being recycled—including from urine—into drinking water. She also detailed the astronauts’ work schedule, which runs from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM on weekdays, leaving little time for leisure. However, weekends are free, during which the crew may watch movies, take photographs, or share meals together (Ilta-Sanomat; Yle).
Health and Safety in Orbit
A child from Helsinki inquired about medical care in space. Adenot reassured that astronauts follow protocols similar to those on Earth, contacting a doctor if unwell. The ISS is equipped with medication, and crew members receive training to handle emergencies, including resuscitation. Basic medical procedures, such as ultrasound examinations and monitoring vital signs, can also be performed on board (Ilta-Sanomat).
Encouraging Future Scientists
In response to questions about pursuing careers in science and technology, Adenot encouraged girls to overcome self-doubt and follow their ambitions. She emphasised that passion and perseverance are key to succeeding in technical fields (Yle).
The event at Heureka also featured space-themed workshops and presentations, complementing the live call. The ISS, which orbits Earth and is permanently crewed, serves as a hub for scientific research and international collaboration (Ilta-Sanomat).
