Gary students over the moon after making contact with astronaut in space station

Students listen as questions are asked of international space station astronaut Cmdr. Thomas Marshburn.

Gary students over the moon after making contact with astronaut in space station

Fifth-grader Kenshawn Johnson poses a question to astronaut Cmdr. Thomas Marshburn on Wednesday at the Watson Academy for Boys in Gary. Handling the communications tasks are amateur radio operators John Spasojevich, from left, Greg Braun and Roy Gillis.

Gary students over the moon after making contact with astronaut in space station

GARY | A Lew Wallace STEM Academy junior was starry-eyed after asking astronaut Cmdr. Thomas Marshburn a question live from the International Space Station.

Not starstruck by spacewalker

Astronaut Jerry Ross autographs his book Spacewalker for fourth-graders Anna Holloway, left, and Allyson Harris on Monday at Jerry Ross Elementary School in Crown Point.

Not starstruck by spacewalker

Fourth-grader Nicole Basoski talks to astronaut Jerry Ross as he autographs his book "Spacewalker" for her at Jerry Ross Elementary School in Crown Point.

Not starstruck by spacewalker

Astronaut Jerry Ross autographs his book "Spacewalker" for fourth-grader Leah Dexter on Monday at Jerry Ross Elementary School in Crown Point.

Not starstruck by spacewalker

Fourth-grade students stand in line Monday to get their copies of "Spacewalker" signed by astronaut Jerry Ross at the school that bears his name in Crown Point.

Not starstruck by spacewalker

Astronaut Jerry Ross autographs his book "Spacewalker" for fourth-graders at the school that bears his name in Crown Point.

Record-setting astronaut draws crowd at Valpo book signing

VALPARAISO | They came from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio for a book signing by the record-setting astronaut from Crown Point who's now written an autobiography about his space adventures.

Challenger Center inspires love of space exploration

Challenger Learning Center students explore outer space while still on Earth but thanks to that experience, many start setting their sights to the stars.

Spacewalker: An excerpt from Crown Point native astronaut's book

I want to share the amazing experiences I had pursuing my dream and help you understand what it felt like to ride those rockets and walk in space.

Native astronaut comes home

Crown Point astronaut Col. Jerry Ross hasn’t lived here in decades, but he keeps his Region roots strong nonetheless.

C.P. native shares stories from space

For Jerry Ross, the sky wasn't the limit.

Participate in Challenger Learning Center’s inaugural 5K

HAMMOND | Personnel at Challenger Learning Center hope the upcoming Space Race 5K will be an exciting addition to its mission of promoting space and science exploration. Coordinators of the Space Race 5K recently learned that former NASA astronaut and Crown Point native Colonel Jerry Ross wi…

Retired astronaut Jerry Ross launches Crown Point Library summer reading program

Jenna Kortum, 6, of Crown Point, listens as astronaut Jerry Ross speaks during his visit Tuesday to First United Methodist Church to kick off the Crown Point Community Library's summer reading program.

Retired astronaut Jerry Ross launches Crown Point Library summer reading program

Astronaut Jerry Ross talks about his space adventures Tuesday while helping to kick off the Crown Point Community Library's summer reading program.

Retired astronaut Jerry Ross launches Crown Point Library summer reading program

Astronaut Jerry Ross autographs a DVD for 11-year-old Ethan Furman during his visit Tuesday to First United Methodist Church. Ross, a 1966 graduate of Crown Point High School, was the first person to fly in space seven times.

Retiring astronaut Jerry Ross remembers region roots

CROWN POINT | Jerry Ross, who is retiring Friday after serving his country for 40 years as a NASA astronaut and in the U.S. Air Force, never forgets his Crown Point roots.

Valpo group wants girls to discover potential in science, math

Former NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence signs an autograph for 14-year-old Lizzie Chesak, of Valparaiso, on April 12 at the Reaching for the Stars program at the Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville.

Valpo group wants girls to discover potential in science, math

Former NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence signs autographs before taking the stage April 12 for the Reaching for the Stars program at the Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville. The event, sponsored by Discoveries Unlimited, aimed to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and math.