Space Station 51 Escape Room lands at ESU's William Allen White Library

Emporia, KS (03/05/2026) — The lead-up to the groundbreaking Emporia State University event in which local students will speak to crew members aboard the International Space Station via amateur radio continues with activities that inspire all ages through fun, educational opportunities that highlight the wonder of science and exploration.

Beginning Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 13, from 5 to 9 p.m., William Allen White Library will host an interactive challenge called Escape Room: Escape from Space Station 51. Closed for spring break, the event will return Monday, March 23 through Thursday, March 26, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The premise is simple: you and your team are locked in a room, trapped aboard Station 51 as it falls out of Earth orbit and plummets toward the surface at breakneck speed. You must use teamwork, intellect and ingenuity to solve the mystery of the space station's sudden demise and save the day before it's too late.

The escape room is open to the public. The cost is $5 per person, and ESU students can participate for free. Each 45-minute session can accommodate up to 5 individuals per group. A new session begins at the start of each hour.

Reserve a space by booking online at emporia.link/esubookings.

Payment will be taken at the door.

For questions, email libcirc@emporia.edu.

For more events and activities leading up to the ARISS, or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, contact day, visit https://emporia.link/arissevents. The exact date of contact has not yet been determined by NASA.