Residents across the BRICS nations will get a special chance to ask astronauts aboard the International Space Station questions and compete for a trip to the cosmodrome. This new international initiative is being rolled out through a collaboration between Roscosmos and the RT television channel, aiming to engage people from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in a live, interactive dialogue with spacefarers in orbit. The project is designed to bring space closer to everyday life by creating a direct line of communication between viewers and the crew above Earth, turning curiosity into a shared experience for a broad audience.
The first phase of the program features cosmonauts answering questions live from the ISS, a format that promises a dynamic exchange between those in space and viewers on the ground. The event is scheduled to be broadcast this Thursday via the VK community page and related platforms, offering a window into daily life aboard the station, as well as insights into ongoing experiments, mission objectives, and the mechanics of living in microgravity. The televised segment will showcase the astronauts responding to questions that highlight science, technology, engineering, and the human story of space exploration, creating a memorable moment for fans and newcomers alike.
Organizers are enthusiastic about the variety and creativity of the questions, with prizes to reward originality and depth. The standout contributors may secure a remarkable experience: an invitation to visit the cosmodrome and observe a rocket launch in person. This type of prize underscores the program’s aim to celebrate inquiry and curiosity, while giving participants a tangible connection to the space program and its milestones. The contest framework emphasizes inclusive participation and the chance to learn through direct interaction with space professionals.
For those who want to submit questions, the program will collect inquiries through email, alongside ongoing updates via official channels and the broadcasters’ social media ecosystems. While the exact submission process will be announced through those channels as the event approaches, the emphasis remains on accessibility and transparency, inviting people to share their most compelling questions and to follow progress as plans unfold. The format also includes regular announcements that keep audiences informed about airing times, eligibility, and how prizes will be awarded, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for participants across the BRICS nations.
In related news, Roscosmos previously announced the schedule for a manned mission. The Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft is expected to launch on September 11, 2024, with a mission duration that could extend to roughly 202 days. The crew is anticipated to return to Earth around April 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between space agencies and international partners. The mission highlights the sustained tempo of crewed spaceflight and the long-term commitments required to maintain operations aboard the ISS, including launches, resupply efforts, and the continual exchange of scientific experiments across international teams.
Cosmonaut Anna Kikina has previously commented on preparations for upcoming flights to the ISS, offering insights into training, mission readiness, and the collaborative work that underpins successful international space missions. Her remarks reflect the careful planning and practical preparation that enable astronauts to perform complex tasks in orbit, conduct critical experiments, and contribute to the broader goals of international cooperation in space exploration.