International Space Station Contest Celebrates Student Creativity in Art and Poetry

Students' Creative Works Soar at the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) National Lab recently celebrated remarkable student creativity through its second annual International Space Art and Poetry Contest. This year, the competition attracted a staggering 2,700 submissions from students spanning 35 countries, nearly tripling the entries from the previous year. The aim was to inspire engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through artistic expression.

John Shoffner, a lifelong space enthusiast and pilot for Axiom Space's second commercial mission, initiated this unique contest through his Perseid Foundation. The initiative was further empowered by collaborations with Axiom Space and the Limitless Space Institute, enabling students worldwide to showcase their imaginative interpretations of life and work in space. The contest sends a strong message—art plays a pivotal role in sparking interest in STEM fields.

From the impressive array of artistic and poetic entries, Shoffner and a distinguished panel of judges selected four artistic pieces and four poetic works. NASA played an integral role in transmitting these winning submissions to the ISS, where the crew printed and displayed them. Photographs of these creations were taken in the stunning cupola of the space station, highlighting the intersection of creativity and advanced scientific exploration.

Shoffner’s passion for space and art dates back to childhood, marked by a vivid memory of painting NASA astronaut Ed White at just 10 years old. His recent experience on the Axiom Mission-2 fueled his dedication to engaging youth in STEM. During his time aboard the ISS, he expressed his excitement by recording a special message to announce the contest winners, showcasing how technology bridges education and exploration.

To unveil the winners of this year’s contest, the Perseid Foundation showcased their works on its website. Following the conclusion of SpaceX's 31st Commercial Resupply Services mission for NASA in December, the winning pieces returned to Earth alongside the excited hearts of participants who submitted their imaginative works.

Winners received not only their printed creations but also a certificate confirming that their art had traveled to space, a unique honor symbolizing their contribution to a broader narrative of human creativity in space. All participants were also awarded digital certificates and personalized notes from Shoffner, celebrating their engagement and enthusiasm.

The ISS National Lab is committed to educational outreach as a core mission, recognizing the necessity of cultivating a strong workforce to support future commercial ventures in low Earth orbit. The ongoing success of industry partnerships demonstrates the impact of educational programs at all ages, aiming to prepare the next generation of researchers, engineers, and explorers.

Reflecting on the contest, Shoffner acknowledged the exceptional talent displayed by young participants. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "The International Space Art and Poetry Contest has reignited my love for space beyond my wildest imagination. Bright minds from 35 countries showcased wide-eyed curiosity, bright color, and aspirational words. I'm assured the future of the space program is in great hands. Thank you, once again, for showing me the sky is not the limit."

For those curious about future opportunities, the ISS National Lab is set to announce initiatives designed to engage students and educators through resources that leverage the orbiting outpost for creative and scientific pursuits.

To delve deeper into the educational programs offered by the ISS National Lab, visit their website for further information. Join in the excitement as we inspire the next generation of dreamers and doers to look toward the stars!

About the ISS National Laboratory

The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a unique research facility, enabling scientific research and technological advancements that are not feasible on Earth. As a public service entity, the ISS National Lab allows researchers to utilize this multifunctional facility to enhance quality of life on Earth and foster sustainability in low Earth orbit. A cooperative management agreement with NASA ensures that access is provided for research that promotes education and industry growth, underscoring the vital role the ISS plays in advancing science for humanity.