NASA astronaut meets and inspires Vietnamese youth

Bring outer space to Vietnam

On June 5, in Vi Thanh City, the People’s Committee of Hau Giang Province, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association, held the opening ceremony of Vietnam Space Week – Hau Giang 2023.

This was the first time Vietnam Space Week took place in Vietnam, creating a platform for young people in different regions of Vietnam to enjoy space exploration, NASA STEM-related activities, and educational games about astronomy, geography, science, technology, engineering, math, etc.

Vietnam was the first country in Southeast Asia selected by NASA to host the Vietnam Space Week – an annual event of the US Aeronautics and Space Administration (starting in the 2000s). Vietnam Space Week included the NASA TALK SHOW program, which featured two famous scientists in astronomy: Mr. Michael Baker – a former NASA astronaut, and Dr. Josef Schmid – a NASA flight surgeon. They met and shared with the audiences about life in space.

Significantly, the students got to discover scientific programs aiming to protect the globe, reduce environmental pollution, track high-risk near-earth asteroids, as well as learn about extraterrestrial life.

In the opening speech, Chairman Dong Van Thanh of the People’s Committee of Hau Giang Province said, the province had successfully organized the Week of Digital Transformation and Startup Innovation – Mekong Delta 2023. During this week, activities not only promoted Hau Giang province to implement robust digital transformation but also established the foundations, contributing to the development of networks in the Mekong Delta.

Vietnam Space Week – Hau Giang 2023 took place from June 5 to 6 live at the Hau Giang Provincial Convention Center and Peace Square, and streamed online on the program’s social platforms with the participation of more than 1,300 delegates.

The Vietnam Space Week – Hau Giang 2023 would inspire young generations, mostly students in the Mekong Delta. The astronauts shared stories about their working and living environment in outer space; their scientific research to protect the earth, avoid environmental pollution, and prevent collision with other planets; extraterrestrial life and aliens. The program bolstered knowledge and added new skills by organizing NASA STEM creative experiences for students.

In addition, this event also created the foundations for students to explore science, technology and apply knowledge in real life. Thereby, specialists helped orient students’ career paths, organize experiential learning, and promote creative thinking for young people. They also encouraged audiences to explore US Space Agency’s mission and technological advancements through educational activities, online resources, and community events.

Meet with former NASA astronaut

During two days (June 5–6) in Hau Giang, Vietnam Space Week offered experiential activities such as: exploring the night sky, experiencing virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR), watching a drone show, seeing a light show – Hologram Tube of Astronaut, and immersing in the starry sky – Starry Night.

Significantly during the event, there was a NASA STEM competition for students aged 6–18. The top 3 teams in the contest would have dinner with astronauts and watch an astronomical performance – Starry Night. This rare opportunity allowed the young generation to learn, explore and discover science. The program also introduced career trends in space and astrophysics, which the Government of Vietnam identified as a 21st-century key field. 

At the NASA TALK SHOW program, former astronaut Michael Baker shared: “I am delighted to come to Vietnam, a beautiful and hospitable country. Speaking at today’s event, not only did I recount my own experiences as an astronaut in outer space, but I also wanted to inspire the Vietnamese youth about scientific research activities, which contribute good deeds to humankind”.

A crucial message promoted by Vietnam Space Week was to inspire the Vietnamese youth to learn about astronomy, innovation in science and technology, and international cooperation and understanding. Vietnam Space Week was held in Hau Giang for two days on June 5–6. Following up, this event will be held in Thu Duc city (HCMC) on June 7 and in Binh Dinh province on June 8–9.

“From outer space, the Earth is a beautiful blue planet. Especially in the night sky, from the space station, astronauts often see a bright planet that is our Earth.

Earth is the only blue planet in a thin layer of the atmosphere. With that perspective, the Earth is beautiful and shimmering but fragile. Therefore, we all need to take action to protect Earth, the only place in the known universe confirmed to host life to this day,” said former NASA astronaut Michael Baker.