10 March 2023
The pupils of class 5D of the BRGORG 15 Henriettenplatz grammar school already expressed their interest in the subject of “women in space” at the beginning of the partnership, asking about the career opportunities of women in space science and about a typical working day of an astronaut. The partnership is happy to address these questions and interests.
On 10 March 2023, the class visited the Technisches Museum Wien and gained a first impression of the space objects at the museum in the “SPACE” exhibition together with the museum’s team. Among other objects, the “Luciana Vega” doll and her Mars habitat as well as other “Space Barbies” were presented. In this context, toys are a popular instrument to explain to citizens (families and children) why (a lot of!) public money is being invested into research projects in the field of space travel – often closely linked to military interests. But toys for young children can also transport different/new messages about career alternatives, challenge gender stereotypes and open up opportunities at an early age.The pupils of class 5D of the BRGORG 15 Henriettenplatz grammar school already expressed their interest in the subject of “women in space” at the beginning of the partnership, asking about the career opportunities of women in space science and about a typical working day of an astronaut. The partnership is happy to address these questions and interests.
The highlight of the day was getting to talk with Austrian ESA reserve astronaut Carmen Possnig. She told the young people about her one-year research stay in Antarctica and her work and life there. She answered the pupils’ questions about vocational training, career opportunities, health requirements and her favourite food or how she prepares for such extreme situations. The young people showed a great deal of interest at this meet-and-greet – they could have asked 1,000 more questions and they all hope to see her again. Thank you very much!
