Starchild: Why space exploration fascinates Malaysian kids

Nur Ameera Mohd Khairul Nizam, 11

Do you know that astronauts are currently on a mission to the Moon?

Farrel Zafran Faihan, 9

Yes, it’s called Artemis II, a project by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) in Houston, Texas, the United States.

This exciting space mission sent four astronauts on April 1 on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.

Although they will not land on the Moon, the astronauts will travel around it, including the far side – the part of the Moon we cannot see from Earth. It will be a major step in space exploration and one of the most important Moon missions in modern times.

Why is this mission so special?

For one thing, it is part of Nasa’s plan to send humans back to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Scientists hope the mission will help them learn more about living and working in space.

The Moon may also help astronauts prepare for even longer journeys in the future, including missions to Mars.

Space is full of mysteries. It is home to shining stars, giant planets, floating asteroids and galaxies far, far away. Even though space can seem dark and empty, it is actually filled with amazing things waiting to be discovered.

Fathiahana Arissa Faihan, 11

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what is out there? Could there be more planets like Earth? What would it feel like to float in zero gravity? Could humans one day live on the Moon?

Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Space exploration.

Nur Ameera Mohd Khairul Nizam, 11, thinks space is one of the most amazing things to learn about. “There are so many planets, stars and galaxies that we still do not fully understand. I enjoy reading about astronauts because they are brave enough to travel far away from Earth to discover new things.”

“I like space because it looks beautiful and mysterious. I enjoy seeing pictures of the Moon, stars and rockets. I think astronauts are very cool because they travel in spacecraft and wear special suits,” says Farrel Zafran Faihan, nine.

Older sibling Fathiahana Arissa Faihan, 11, writes: “I have always been curious about what exists beyond Earth. Space is so huge and mysterious, and it makes me wonder if there are still many secrets waiting to be discovered.”

Roxanne Ng Yee Shuen, 12

“I dream of becoming an astronaut and travelling to outer space one day,” says Roxanne Ng Yee Shuen, 12.

ITEM: Mothers Day is celebrated on May 10. Write a heartfelt letter or draw a special picture for your mum to show how much you love and appreciate her. Tell us why she is special, your favourite memory with her, or simply say “thank you” in your own creative way!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by April 27. Please put “STARCHILD: Mothers Day” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.