Countdown to the ISS: ESU kicks off space exploration activities
Emporia, KS (02/12/2026) — This spring, Emporia State University is launching a journey beyond our atmosphere-one filled with celestial events, hands-on activities, and a rare chance for students from local schools to speak directly with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station via amateur radio.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, ESU invites the community to Signals from Space, a Science Saturday event that uncovers how amateur radio makes longdistance communication possible. Guests can also explore the ISS and aerospace engineering through interactive activity stations led by Peterson Planetarium director Mark Brown, members of the Emporia Amateur Radio Society and students and staff from ESU's Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center.
Registration is required for the Science Saturday event by visiting esuparoc.com. Each attendee must register independently. The event is free and open to everyone and will be hosted at ESU's Cram Science Hall.
ESU is awaiting the confirmed date for its Amateur Radio on the International Space Station contact, known as ARISS, which is expected to take place this spring.
ESU is partnering with the Emporia Public Library, local schools and other area groups to host programs that introduce students and the community to space exploration and communication in preparation for the ARISS event. Recent partnerships include a series of RecExtra events - a collaboration with the Emporia Recreation Center and PAROC that brings spacethemed activities to afterschool programs for local elementary students.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Hornet Nation breaks records on Emporia State Day of Giving, raising $315,384
- Emporia State Names Class of 2026 Kansas Master Teachers
- ESU Theatre Presents 'Major Barbara' by George Bernard Shaw
- CANCELED: Changes in Crime Scene Investigation Subject of Next Forensic Science Seminar
- Register Now: ESU Founders' Day 2026 Celebration is Feb. 13
- Emporia State University's Day of Giving Highlights Community Impact and Shared Experiences
- Free ESU planetarium show explores invisible universe in February
- ESU marks 40th Anniversary of Challenger disaster with week of events
- Emporia State University Unveils New Integrated Nursing and Student Wellness Center
- ESU to host free Science Saturday in celebration of Kansas' 165th birthday