St. George, SC — Yesterday, Woodland Middle School hosted an unforgettable event as students engaged in a live conversation with astronaut Colonel Nick Hague aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The event was part of Operation Space Talk SC, a groundbreaking initiative sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), Trident Amateur Radio Club (TARC) and ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station). The program seeks to inspire students from underserved schools to explore the wonders of space and STEM fields.
For months, Woodland Middle School students, under the leadership of 8th-grade science teacher Pamela Rhode, have been actively preparing for this event through hands-on activities like building rovers and exploring aerospace technology. Yesterday, their hard work culminated in an awe-inspiring moment of connection with the ISS.
Woodland Middle School welcomed students and educators from three other participating South Carolina schools, all part of the Operation Space Talk SC program:
Lake Marion Middle School (Orangeburg County School District), led by Shevelle Bogle-Francis and Cheryl Milford.
Dr. Ronald E. McNair School of Digital Communication and Leadership (Florence School District 3), led by Dorrell Benjamin and Erica Speller.
Hillcrest Middle School (Sumter School District), led by Robert Easley and Misty Roberson.
The gathered students waited in eager anticipation as the ISS passed overhead, perfectly positioned for communication. Teacher Pamela Rhode took the lead in initiating radio contact with the ISS, but early attempts were met with silence as the astronaut could not hear her. For five intense minutes, the room buzzed with quiet determination as the team worked to establish a connection. Finally, through a backup radio channel, the astronaut’s voice came through loud and clear. Cheers erupted in the room, evoking a sense of triumph akin to the famous Apollo 13 moment when communication was restored after a tense silence. It was a scene filled with relief, excitement, and pure joy.
Students asked thought-provoking questions about the technical aspects of living and working in space and the personal experiences of being aboard the ISS. The astronaut Colonel Nick Hague’s responses were both informative and inspiring, leaving the young audience in awe. Though the conversation was brief, the impact will be long-lasting. Operation Space Talk SC exemplifies how partnerships and innovative programs can open new doors for students, especially in underserved areas. The event not only deepened students’ curiosity about space but also highlighted the importance of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming challenges.
As Woodland Middle School and its partner schools continue their journey through this unique program, the excitement and inspiration from yesterday’s event will undoubtedly propel these young learners to reach for the stars—quite literally.
Colonel Nick Hague, a veteran astronaut and member of the Space Force, has been part of multiple missions to the ISS. Known for his expertise in aerospace systems, Hague embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery. His involvement in Operation Space Talk SC underscored the importance of making STEM opportunities accessible to students everywhere.
