‘Space Talk’ at NHES Links Space Science with Earth’s Environmental Challenges

In an innovative step to unite space education with environmental awareness, the New Horizon Educational Society (NHES) organized a hands-on workshop on the topic of space education through a session named Space Talk, in coordination with the prestigious privately-owned aerospace company Axiom Space. This was a special one-of-a-kind conference that would introduce students to the emerging relevance of space science in terms of an approach to various ecological issues on Earth.

Taking place in the school auditorium with a live broadcast to a broader audience, the ‘Space Talk’ saw the involvement of astronauts and experts of Axiom Space, which allowed the company to participate in a colourful dialogue with students about space exploration and the strong ties it has with the sustainability of the environment. Beautiful visuals of space and satellite orbs showing the surface of the planet made students take a close look at how vulnerable and interconnected our planet is.

It was a highlight of the session when a live talk with an Axiom Space astronaut was possible with him sharing what it is like to be in the orbit where they could observe the thin advancing of the atmosphere of the Earth and the visible effects of human presence on the planet like deforestation, urban sprawl, and pollution in the oceans. The astronaut has highlighted the “overview effect”, a cognitive change that astronauts tend to undergo when they view our planet (Earth) in space, and this supports the importance of taking care of our planet.

“When you look down at Earth from the International Space Station, you don’t see borders. You just see one beautiful, fragile home,” the astronaut explained. “Space not only expands our understanding of science but also deepens our sense of responsibility toward the environment.”

NHES, guided by its mission, has been a great advocate of science training. It was its wider Eco-Connect programme, designed to acquire an environmentally conscious attitude, with innovative learning, through its Space Talk. Questions posed by the students were how satellites are used to track the forest cover and the melting ice caps, how the space agencies assist in the prediction of disasters and also the climate change studies.

The enthusiasm with which the event was participated in by individuals could also be given testament to by the fact that, post-event, NHES announced the launch of a new student-led initiative named ” Earth Guardians”. In this program, the students will also carry out environmentally friendly activities like the establishment of green corners in classrooms, monitoring the air and water quality in their area using the technology, and providing a global environmental camp in the area on online channels.

Ruchi Nanda, the Principal of NHES, honoured such events as bringing a positive shift in the minds of young children.

“It’s crucial that we give students opportunities to think beyond textbooks. When they hear directly from astronauts and scientists, the learning becomes real. They understand that their choices matter, not just in their community, but on a planetary scale.”

The opportunity to work together with Axiom Space is one of the emerging intertwining of real-life scientific exploration into schools’ curricula. The event was more than a lecture to the students, as it was a wake-up call demanding that the students own the future of the planet.

Infusing space education with a consideration of sustainability, NHES has made a bold move in raising the generation of environmentally conscious global citizens, the future leaders who will realize that Earth, as an object viewed in space, is magnificent and still requires serious treatment.