As an adult, seeing snail mail with your name on it is kind of a drag (bill, bill, bill, postcard from a realtor named Gary, bill), but as a kid, it can be a thrill. Now imagine being a space-obsessed child and glancing at the return address to read “National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquartersâ€â€”aka NASA. Whaaaat.
It’s actually quite possible for your kid to write to an astronaut at NASA and receive mail back. Really cool stuff, too, like handwritten letters, stickers and autographed photos. Here’s how to do it:
Choose an astronaut to write to.
Have your kid read through the biographies of NASA’s astronauts. Perhaps she’s interested in corresponding with Randy “Komrade†Bresnik, who served as the commander of the International Space Station for Expedition 53, or Christina H. Koch, who will serve as a flight engineer for Expedition 59 and 60. If you’d prefer to write to a general NASA rep, like this seven-year-old boy did, that works, too.
Write a letter.
It probably helps to include a specific question. For instance, Ars Technica writer Cyrus Farivar and his four-year-old son recently wrote to NASA scientist Dr. David Williams about Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter, as Williams researches planetary mapping.
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The letter:
Dear Dr. David Williams:
My name is [REDACTED]. I was reading about Europa today with my Papa. We have a question for you: how can we help the Europa Clipper take nice pictures of my favorite icy moon? Love, [REDACTED], Age 4 & Cyrus Farivar (aka Papa), Age 36
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The scientist mailed back a two-page, handwritten letter, signed “Your friend, Dave.†(No, Williams isn’t an astronaut, but it’s still really neat.)
Or request an autographed photo.
According to CollectSpace.com, you used to be able to send requests for autographed photos from both active and retired astronauts. Now, NASA only responds to requests for active astronauts (those assigned to upcoming flights or who are currently in training).
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Put your letter or autograph request in the mail.
It is not a requirement to include return postage an a self-addressed envelope, but it couldn’t hurt.
Here’s the address:
NASA/Johnson Space Center
CB/Astronaut Office
Houston, TX 77058
Hopefully, your kid will soon get to experience the best mail day ever.
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