Seacrest Studios at Children's National Ventures into Space!
Written by: Sydney Sobkowiak
Seacrest Studios Intern at Children’s National Hospital
Patients and families at Seacrest Studios traveled to outer space and back with help from NASA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide!
A.R.I.S.S Brings Seacrest Studios at Children's National to Space
Akihiko Hoshide, astronaut and current commander at the International Space Station, called into Seacrest Studios at Children’s National in Washington D.C. to answer patient questions — live from space!
Children’s National was the first hospital selected to participate in Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) – a program that connects children with the on-orbit crew working on the International Space Station through radio signals. Patients got the chance to speak to Hoshide for 10 minutes as he orbited over Italy.
Patients came prepared with questions for Hoshide, including what the Northern lights look like from space, what animals have been to space, what food astronauts eat in space and more.
Hoshide inspired fans when he mentioned going to visit the space museums, such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum located in the Nation’s Capital, sparked his interest at a young age to become an astronaut. His words inspired the children at Children’s National to follow their dreams, no matter how big they are.
Thank you, Akihiko Hoshide, for sharing your experience in space with our patients, families and staff! This visit was truly out of this world! We can’t wait to see you again when you are back safely on Earth!