Getting youth interested and excited in science, technology, engineering and math is important to future space exploration, believes NASA, and so it organized an art contest to help spark the imagination of future scientists, engineers and explorers.

Two Indian American kids’ artworks were among the ones selected from about 3,000 entries from 193 countries for the space exploration agency’s Commercial Crew Program 2018 Children’s Artwork Calendar.

The calendar is made from artwork submitted by children ages 4-12 years old.

Eleven-year-old Ishika’s artwork highlighting the role of spacesuits in an astronaut’s life, and Vyshnavi’s – who is also 11 – a spaceship design feature in the calendar. (NASA is withholding the children’s last names.)

Ishika drew a floating astronaut and, in the description, wrote that “an astronaut’s spacewalk spacesuit is like his or her own personal spacecraft,” adding that not only do spacesuits keep astronauts safe by providing breathable air and keeping them warm and cool, they are also pressurized like the inside of a flying airplane so that the astronauts are safe in space.

“Spacesuits allow the astronauts to be in constant communication with doctors and medical professionals who track their health here on the ground,” concluded the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based student, whose work is displayed in the 2018 March calendar.

The April 2018 calendar features Vyshnavi’s art work. Also from Sunnyvale, the Indian American student’s winning work involved a future spaceship.

The calendar also features the work of three Indian students: Tamil Nadu-based Kaviya and Selva, and Uttaran from Kolkata.

While 9-year-old Uttaran painted a rocket; Kaviya, 11, whose topic was ‘Space Food,’ came up with an imaginary organic space garden; and 11-year-old Selva’s piece was based on “What would you take from home?” and showcased an astronaut going to space along with his daughter, dog and other prized possessions.

The calendar can be downloaded here.

|