Students at EMSI hold live telecontact with the International Space Station

4 July 2024 – A historical and unique event concluded recently at Morocco’s EMSI, as students enjoyed a live connection to the International Space Station, organized in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Russian Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS), and the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA).

The event brought together students, professors, and special guests to interact with astronaut Jeanette Epps, who is currently aboard the ISS. A graduate of the University of Maryland with an MS and PhD in aerospace engineering, she was selected for the 20th class of NASA astronauts in 2009 and graduated in 2011. Currently, a member of the ISS Operations Branch, Epps has participated in astronaut analog missions, including NEEMO 18 and CAVES 19. She is the second woman and the first African-American woman to have participated in CAVES. Since March 4, 2024, she has been on a long-duration mission to the ISS as a member of SpaceX Crew-8

This offered EMSI students an opportunity to learn more about scientific experiments in space and life in microgravity. It also strengthened students’ interest in space science and engineering.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our students this exceptional opportunity to engage with a renowned astronaut like Jeanette Epps. This telecontact represents an important milestone for EMSI, illustrating our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and preparing our students to meet the technological challenges of tomorrow,” said EMSI General Manager Prof Mohamed Essaaidi.

Interacting with an inspiring astronaut like Jeanette Epps gave students a broader perspective on careers in science and engineering, fueling their passion for the future of space exploration.