From Agriculture to Space Exploration, Kansas Highlights Its Connection to NASA
As the crew of NASA’s Artemis II looked back at Earth during their approach to the Moon, Kansas highlighted its strong connection to NASA with Ag Tech Day at Flickner Innovation Farm and a visit from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
In Moundridge, Flickner Innovation Farm became a classroom for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Hosted by NASA Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT) steering committee member Ray Flickner and organized by Rebecca Dale, program manager for the Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics at Kansas State University, Ag Tech Day brought together Kansas 4-H, Kansas State University, KCARE, NASA Acres, and other partners to give students in grades 5 through 12 a hands-on look at how technology is shaping modern agriculture.
More than 100 participants from 22 counties attended the event and moved through 13 interactive stations across the farm. Students explored precision agriculture tools, field robots, weather stations, drone applications, and advanced farm equipment while learning how science and technology support real-world decision-making in agriculture.
NASA Acres’ Jacob Orser speaks with 12 News/KWCH TV.
Ag tech field day in Moundridge shows students the future of farming
NASA Acres Program Support Specialist Jacob Orser introduced students to the NASA Acres program and demonstrated STELLA, a handheld, student-assembled tool that has modular attachments measuring incoming solar radiation, light reflectance, air temperature, surface temperature, methane, and more. Students used the instrument to collect reflectance data and learned about how the technology can be used in agriculture and beyond.
Students were especially interested in what NASA tools can reveal, how data can help identify what is working in the field, and how they might use these technologies themselves. Orser also shared information about STELLA DIY builds, NASA ARSET trainings, and NASA Acres efforts to bring this kind of learning into classrooms.
Shortly after Ag Tech Day, NASA Administrator Isaacman traveled to Kansas where he participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Cosmosphere’s newly renovated Hall of Space Museum. Alongside Sen. Jerry Moran, Administrator Isaacman helped draw attention to the state’s deep ties to aerospace, education, and innovation, with both also visiting local manufacturers contributing to America’s space program. For Ray Flickner, the events carried added significance, as he had the opportunity to meet Isaacman during his time in Kansas. Administrator Isaacman’s visit reinforced the connection between the work happening at Flickner Innovation Farm, NASA Agriculture, and NASA space exploration.
Together, the two events highlighted the many ways NASA is connected to Kansas, from major space missions to practical tools and partnerships on the ground. They also reflected the shared spirit of Flickner Innovation Farm and NASA Acres, both of which bring together researchers, educators, producers, and students to explore new ideas and real-world applications. From farming to space technology, the events showed students that innovation, discovery, and collaboration are all part of agriculture’s future.
MORE:
Watch 12 News/KWCH TV’s report.
Listen to Agriculture Today’s radio report.
Read about Administrator Isaacman’s visit.
Read more about Ag Tech Day.