New Delhi: Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino interacted with students of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi today, inspiring young minds with insights into space exploration. He explored the school's advanced labs, including the AR-VR Lab, Atal Tinkering Lab, and language lab, commending their role in fostering scientific curiosity.

During his interaction, Massimino lauded India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, highlighting its global significance. He emphasized the challenges of landing on the Moon's South Pole and how it could unlock critical insights into water resources for future lunar habitation. He also underscored the importance of international collaboration in advancing space exploration.

Sharing his personal journey, Massimino revealed how a film about seven astronauts inspired him to pursue a career in space. Answering student queries, he described life in zero gravity, detailing sleep arrangements, food habits, and work consoles aboard spacecraft. When asked about AI's role in space missions, he explained how it enhances efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety in exploration.

Students eagerly questioned him about the challenges of becoming an astronaut and the essential subjects for a career in space. Massimino advised them to explore diverse fields like soil sciences and marine biology. He also discussed NASA's most challenging projects and the prospects of human habitation on Mars, stating that while Moon settlements may happen soon, Mars colonization remains a long-term goal due to technological constraints.

Massimino, a Columbia University professor and senior advisor at the Intrepid Museum, is a veteran of two space shuttle missions and the first astronaut to tweet from space. The event was attended by KVS officials, including Shri Somit Shrivastava, Joint Commissioner (Pers), and other dignitaries.