On Thursday March 31, 2016, we will be hosting Michael Lutomski. He worked 30 years at NASA (retired) and SpaceX.

○His expertise is Innovating and exploring boundaries. 30 years experience in STEM outreach of every kind at every level from k-12, to college, to professional societies.

○Frequently requested speaker on STEM via topics of Human Spaceflight, Sustainability, and Risk Management in US and abroad for educational events and conferences.

We are HONORED to host him via Nepris, a company that linked Mr. Lutomski with our class in a Skype-like Session through an app called Zoom.

Students (and teachers)- Please list 2 questions each in the space below, which your first name and last initial.

  1. You worked for NASA for quite some time. How would you characterize your experience there? -Ms. Massaro
  2. Astronaut Scott Kelly (a North Jersey native!) just returned from his “Year in Space.” When he came back, he was rumored to be 2 inches taller due to the gravitational changes. Did you ever participate in any space training yourself, or could you offer some insight into the training astronauts go through?- Ms. Massaro
  3. We hear a lot about a possible mission to Mars at some point in the future. What is the most imposing obstacle to making such a mission into a reality? -Mr. Affinito
  4. In your opinion, what has been the most impressive milestone in space exploration since the last Apollo flight? -Mr. Affinito
  5. It has been 44 years since the last manned mission to the moon. Will astronauts return to the moon? Do you believe humans should return to the moon? -Ms. Waxman & Mrs. Wormer
  6. In your opinion, what is the greatest achievement made by NASA? - Mrs. Wormer & Ms. Waxman
  7. Since you have explored boundaries in space, as of now, do you know of any other planet that would be capable of sustaining life?- Amanda T.
  8. If any other planets can sustain life, how much longer do you think it will be until humans start traveling to that habitable celestial body? Do you think the newly suitable planet would be able to house all 7 billion people on Earth if Earth was deemed unlivable due to natural causes in the future? - Amanda T.
  9. You have a lot of experience in the space exploration field. What qualifications does a person need to work in the control room at NASA Headquarters? - Kevin E.
  10. I would imagine astronaut health is vital to the success of space exploration operations. Are there certain medical issues that prevent people from being able to go into space? Is there any food or substance that astronauts consume to aid in maintaining health during the time in space? - Kevin E.
  11. In your opinion, what is the hardest part about the training prior to going into space?-Lauren T.
  12. How is one chosen for a space mission? What qualifications must one have in order to be able to participate in a space exploration? - Lauren T.
  13. What are the long term and short term effects of zero gravity to the human body when traveling to space? Is it true that a heart can become more spherical and lose muscle mass?- Michele S.
  14. During the 1960s, Russia and the United States competed in the space race to be the first one to send someone to the moon. Was there any other countries that participated in the competition? Or gave some contribution to the programs in Russia or the US?- Michele S.
  15. If we do ever go back to the moon, would new gear for astronauts need to be created or would we use the current gear that astronauts use for a short mission to the space station? Would different training be required for this as well?-Brady G.
  16. Why is the space program underfunded compared as to has it was back in the mid-late 20th century? Is it because of the space race or because of something else? -Brady G.
  17. We all have an idea of what “space” food is, what is the food actually like? - Rebecca C.
  18. How does an astronaut maintain their physical health (muscle mass) in space? Type of exercises? - Rebecca C.
  19. Have you ever thought about going on a space mission? -Jennifer P.
  20. What made you first have an interest in learning about space? -Jennifer P.
  21. What is your advice to young people dreaming of becoming involved in NASA’s space programs? -Kinnari T.
  22. Is there any down time aboard the shuttle? If so, how do the astronauts use this time? What do you like to do during your free time?- Kinnari T.
  23. I heard many articles about Mars which is the most habitable planet in our solar system besides the Earth. Is is really practical and realistic facts that Mars can be our alternative planet? - Christina J.
  24. Astronauts need special food and clothing for a long journey. Does NASA receive financial support from the government in order to create new methods of food and clothing production? - Christina J.
  25. If someone were to get very sick while they were up in space, what would happen? -Avery
  26. What do you think is the next big step for NASA? -Avery
  27. Was there ever a time when a big mistake was caught at the very last minute? - Tomoka
  28. How advanced is the technology used by NASA? -Tomoka