Clifton Forge, VA (Ma 5, 2026) - Classroom lessons on space exploration turned into a live conversation with a NASA engineer recently for second graders at Sharon Elementary School, giving students a close-up look at the Artemis Moon missions.
Lisa Akers, a chief engineer for Lockheed Martin’s Orion spacecraft program, spoke with students during a virtual visit about her work on the capsule used in NASA’s Artemis missions. She helped engineer the Orion spacecraft that flew on Artemis II, the first crewed test flight around the Moon.
That mission carried astronauts around the Moon and safely back to Earth, giving engineers important data on how the spacecraft performs in deep space. Akers continues to support Orion as NASA prepares for future Artemis missions.
The visit was part of a classroom unit led by second-grade teacher Kristen Asma, who is Akers’ cousin. Students studied space exploration and the Artemis program. Their writings and drawings, including the prompt “If I could go to space…,” are displayed in the school hallway.
During the virtual session, students asked questions about space travel and the Artemis II mission. Asma said the questions came directly from student curiosity sparked by classroom lessons.
Sharon Principal Chris Jones said the visit helped students connect what they are learning in class to real science and real jobs.
“Opportunities like this help our students see that what they’re learning isn’t just in a classroom. It’s connected to real careers, real innovation, and real people shaping the future,” Jones said.
Akers told students that her work focuses on making sure the spacecraft is safe for astronauts and ready for flight. Her interest in space began with watching the Apollo Moon landings as a child. She originally hoped to become an astronaut, but later shifted to engineering after learning she did not meet the physical requirements for astronaut selection.
As the conversation wrapped up, Asma reflected on the moments the students shared with Akers.
“It meant so much to see their excitement and the thoughtful questions they asked. They truly saw themselves as part of the story of space exploration,” she said. |  | Second grader Lilly Clinebell asks a question during a virtual visit with a NASA engineer about the Artemis Moon missions as her teacher, Kristen Asma, looks on at Sharon Elementary School. (AHPS Photo)
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