Let’s blast off into an adventure…
Imagine sitting inside a rocket, with every control lit up, your helmet secured, and your heart pounding as the countdown begins. The engines roar and you feel the force push you back into your seat as you leave Earth behind. Soon, you’re orbiting the planet, floating weightlessly in zero gravity while working on experiments, fixing equipment, and looking down at the glowing blue Earth below. Astronauts are explorers, scientists, and problem-solvers—pushing the limits of what we know about space and beyond! |
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Let's learn more about what it's like to live and work in space in today’s podcast episode and write your own astronaut journal entry about your amazing day in orbit. |
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What's It Like to Be an Astronaut?
InquisiKids Daily Podcast
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Astronaut Journal
Printable Activity Sheet
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What's It Like to Be an Astronaut? InquisiKids Daily Podcast | | | Astronaut Journal
Printable Activity |
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While astronauts explore space, they can’t do it alone! Every mission depends on engineers and software developers who design the technology that makes space travel possible. A software developer is someone who creates the computer programs that control rockets, guide space stations, and even help astronauts talk with people back on Earth.
In today’s Sonlight Community Career Spotlight, you’ll meet Emily, a Sonlight parent who worked as a software developer. She used her coding skills to solve big problems and make technology smarter—skills that are important for space exploration and so many other careers! |
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Did You Know?
Astronauts rely on software developers to help them complete their missions in space!
- Software controls rockets during
liftoff 🚀
- Guides the space station while it orbits the Earth 🌎
- Helps astronauts communicate with mission control back home 📡
Software developers write the computer code that makes all this possible—and without them, astronauts couldn't explore the stars!
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Emily, Software Developer
Software Developer for 7 Years
Homeschooling?: Yes, Emily homeschools her 3 kids.
How She Became a Software Developer: Emily didn’t plan to become a software developer at first — she actually studied English because she loved reading and analyzing books. Her first job was at a publishing company, where she wrote and edited content before accepting a position as a Technical Writer for a software company. When her company needed someone to connect content and software, she learned coding to help and discovered she really enjoyed it. That’s how she became a software developer!
Favorite Part of the Job: Emily enjoys solving her clients' needs while maintaining code integrity (making sure the code is correct and won't break). It requires analytical thinking (looking closely at the details) and creativity, which ties to her love of reading and analyzing literature.
Least Favorite Part of the Job: While no job is perfect, Emily believes she was fortunate because she worked for a great company and enjoyed her work.
Skills Needed for the Job:
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🌎 Foreign language to work with people from diverse cultures.
➗ Math and engineering to solve problems and build programs.
📚 Reading and writing provide a foundation for good communication skills.
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Emily's Advice for Those Interested in This Career: “If you know you are interested in software development, certainly major in computer science! But I wouldn't rule out a degree in business, engineering, or even English! I did not know what I wanted to do for a career, and I think many young people feel that way. The important thing is to continue your education.”
Emily's Advice to All Learners: "Simply having the attitude that you never want to stop learning and being willing to put in the hard work to change direction later in life is important."
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Ages: 7-12 Created by the Science Museum, London, you can explore seven key scientific areas, such as, sound, space, and earth, and enjoy included fill-in activities! | | | Ages: 9-12 Learn all about what it takes to be an astronaut and what it’s like up in space with this in-depth guide! *Mentions the Roman god that inspired NASA silver pins |
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Ages: 7-12
Created by the Science Museum, London, you can explore seven key scientific areas, such as, sound, space, and earth, and enjoy included fill-in activities!
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Ages: 9-12
Learn all about what it takes to be an astronaut and what it’s like up in space with this in-depth guide!
*Mentions the Roman god that inspired NASA silver pins
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*NOTE: Please note that some recommended books may include references to evolution or other topics you may not agree with. We encourage you to review the books and either skip certain sections or use them as opportunities to discuss your family's beliefs with your child.
+Customers who qualify for SonlightCares™ will automatically receive 10% off eligible items for one year. Further details at sonlight.com/cares.
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