Rural Ottawa students connect with astronaut aboard International Space Station

Students from a rural Ottawa school got the unique experience of chatting with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station. CTV’s Peter Szperling report

Rural Ottawa students are connecting with space.

Lucky Grade 6 and 7 students from Kars on the Rideau Public School in Ottawa’s south end had the opportunity to speak with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station Tuesday morning.

“It was really fun and, like, a once in a lifetime moment,” says Grade 6 student Lyla Lightfoot.

About a dozen students asked questions of astronaut Nichole Ayers.

“Who inspired her to go to space?” asked Grade 6 student Owen.

“I love flying, and I love space as a kid,” replied Ayers.

The event occurred in front of a gymnasium filled with excited students.

Ayers is a Colorado native and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. She launched as a pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission on March 14, 2025 to “conduct research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities aboard the microgravity laboratory,” according to NASA.

The students and the space station connected via amateur radio, made possible by volunteers through an organization called ARISS.

“People all over the world are tuned into this, including Mission Control,” says Steve McFarlane.

Once the students completed their questions, there was time for the teacher, Jennifer Distefano, to also ask “has your twin sister ever considered following your footsteps into becoming an astronaut?”

Ayers answered, “we are twins, but we are exact opposites; she had zero desire to go into the military or any of those things.”

For students asking questions, it was truly an out-of-this world experience.

“It was really cool,” said Grade 6 student Liam.