Wick High School pupils speak with astronaut Joshua Kutryk on International Space Station

Pupils at a Caithness school put questions to an astronaut as they made an historic connection with the International Space Station.

Wick High School students took part in the most northerly direct educational link ever attempted with the spacecraft as it passed overhead on Thursday.

The live question-and-answer session, which lasted around ten minutes, was facilitated by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station service.

It was supported by Highland Broadband’s gigabit-capable infrastructure, which enabled pupils, and feeder primary schools, to watch in high-definition as they spoke with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk.

Members of Wick High School’s radio club also helped lead the contact as part of a wider space-themed curriculum.

Astronaut Joshua Kutryk speaking with Wick High School pupils. Highland Broadband

Chris Aitken, computing teacher and lead organiser at Wick High School, said: “This was quite possibly the highest honour a school group can achieve in amateur radio, and having reliable, high-speed broadband in place was vital for sharing this landmark STEM event with the world.

“It was an incredible opportunity for our school that wouldn’t have happened without the support of Highland Broadband.

“You could feel the excitement in the room as the space station came across the horizon and we heard the astronaut respond to our pupils.”

Pupils from the Wick High School Radio Club helped lead the contact. Highland Broadband

Highland Broadband managing director Colin Woodward added: “Our mission has always been to close the digital divide and bring world-class infrastructure to rural communities across Scotland.

“Seeing our full-fibre network support Wick High School pupils in connecting live with space demonstrates the limitless possibilities that ultrafast connectivity brings to the Highlands.”

Education secretary Mairi McAllan urged pupils to “hold dear the memories of this special experience”.

She added: “Of all the wonderful and exciting experiences that we have at school, I can hardly think of one more memorable than this – getting the opportunity to speak to an astronaut on the International Space Station.

“I am absolutely thrilled for Wick High School.

“I hope that all of the young people have the most amazing experience and that it inspires you to get involved in what is a growing industry in Scotland – the space industry.”