Russell Elementary Students In Smyrna Gear Up For 'Space' Flight

SMYRNA, GA -- Some students at Russell Elementary are about to have a blast as they embark on a 27-hour real-time space mission simulation. The shuttle launch kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 8 with the Space Team walk. The event will mark the 19th year that the students will board a replica NASA shuttle to learn about the world's top space program.

Thursday's launch will include a spacewalk, payload deployment, onboard experiments, around-the-clock monitoring by a mock Missions Control Center and a next-day landing. The feat makes Russell, which is located on 3920 S Hurt Rd SW in Smyrna, one of the few high schools in the nation with a bona fide space program.

Students prepare for the launch months before, taking classes that further their understanding of the math and science necessary to operate in space and developing keen insight into the complexities of the program.

On Tuesday, May 9, Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods and Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale will welcome the students “home” at the shuttle landing scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

So that alumni, friends and family can enjoy the moment, the student astronauts will live stream their mission at RussellSpaceTeam on Youtube.

Image via Pixabay