Across Africa, schools, universities, science organizations, and community institutions are coming together to host watch parties for one of the most inspiring virtual events of the year: Meet the Astronauts. The free, live-streamed event on March 18, 2025, will feature eight Black NASA astronauts, giving students and educators a rare opportunity to engage with pioneers who have traveled beyond Earth and into space.
The event is open to all and will feature engaging discussions on the astronauts’ experiences in space, the challenges they overcame, and the critical role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in shaping the future of exploration. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions, making it an interactive and inspiring experience that would enable them to gain valuable insights into the future of space exploration.
“We are all incredibly excited to participate in this event for the students and educators of our ancestral home of Africa,” said Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., NASA astronaut and the first Black American to perform a spacewalk. “It is a privilege for us to share our experiences of traveling into space as a way to inspire the next generation.”
The 8 Featured Astronauts are:
- Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. – NASA astronaut, former NASA Administrator, and space shuttle commander
- Capt. Robert L. Curbeam Jr. – Veteran NASA astronaut with three spaceflights and seven spacewalks
- Col. Frederick D. Gregory – NASA astronaut and the first African American to pilot and command a space shuttle mission
- Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. – NASA astronaut, physician, and the first Black American to perform a spacewalk
- Joan E. Higginbotham – NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer who flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery
- Dr. Robert L. Satcher Jr. – NASA astronaut, orthopedic surgeon, and the first orthopedic surgeon in space
- Capt. Winston E. Scott – NASA astronaut, naval aviator, and veteran of multiple spacewalks
- Leland Melvin – NASA astronaut, engineer, and former NFL player, known for advocating STEM education
How Schools and Organizations Can Get Involved
“Africa has a wealth of talent in science, technology, and engineering,” said Teresa Clarke, CEO of Africa.com. “By bringing these astronauts into classrooms and learning spaces across the continent, we hope to ignite a passion for space exploration and STEM education among Africa’s future leaders.”
www.Africa.com/ encourages schools, universities, STEM organizations, and community groups to host watch parties to bring students together for this inspiring event. Institutions interested in hosting a watch party can register at (https://apo-opa.co/4huqt3p)
Event Details:
Date: March 18, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM (SAST, UTC +2)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa.com.
