La Cosecha

Astronaut, rocket scientists visit STAR Ex camp

June 24, 2025 12:25 pm | By Bill Brewer

Students (and parents) get hands-on experience at St. John Neumann School as they explore space By Bill Brewer The 2025 version of the STAR Ex camp did not disappoint when it came to engaging young students in the wonders of space exploration, astronomy, rocketry, telescopes, robotics, satellites, rovers, and drones. In fact, the more than 30 students who attended the daylong camp at St. John Neumann School in Farragut on April 12 were treated to one-on-one dialogue with astronaut John Shoffner and astronomy experts Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ, and Dr. Jonathan Lunine as well as hands-on experience to hone their skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Mr. Shoffner, a Knoxvillian, served as the pilot on the Axiom Space Ax-2 mission to the International Space Station in May 2023. It was the second entirely private crew mission to the International Space Station. Mr. Shoffner appeared in person at St.... Read more →