Kids have prepared their questions

BOISE -- Idaho’s teacher-turned astronaut Barbara Morgan is getting ready for her mission into space next week.

Some very lucky Idaho kids not only get to watch the launch, but be part of the mission. 

It’s all part of Idaho Space Days at the Discovery Center.

Today we talked to five kids chosen from all over the state to interview the astronauts --- while they're in space!

"I started crying, I could not believe that they actually picked me when there were so many other kids that could have been chosen for this," said 12-year-old Paige Dashiell.

Paige is one of 18 students, from across the state of Idaho who was chosen by their teachers to have an out-of this world interview. 

Each kid is allowed to ask one question to astronauts on the Space Shuttle Endeavor during their mission in space.

"It's exciting because you get to look up to somebody that important and to talk to somebody that important," said 11-year-old Sarah Avery.

The questions are all very different, as unique as each of the kids.

"I'm going to ask - What does it feel like to leave the atmosphere?" said Sarah.

"If having no gravity affects you mentally and physically besides weighing less?" said Paige.

"Out of your whole experience, what was the hardest thing to overcome?" said Madison Escarzga.

Aside from their individual questions and overwhelming excitement, they all were very aware of one thing -- talking to Idaho's teacher Barbara Morgan, and all the astronauts, during their mission is a history-making event!

"I'm lucky that I get to talk to a teacher from Idaho!” said Falyn Henry.

"I know that she's from McCall and it's gonna be a really big deal for Idaho and I know that space is something that we've been studying for a long time and there could be other galaxies out there other than the Milky Way and stuff like that," said Ashellina Benson.

The shuttle is set to launch this coming Tuesday, but the students will have to wait a little longer for their interview. 

They'll actually talk to the Endeavor crew the following week on Monday August 13th.

For right now, they're just thanking their lucky stars and waiting for the big day.

"Definitely I think this is going to stay in my memory as long as I live," said Madison.

Barbara Morgan received some additional national attention today gracing the front page of USA Today.

The article profiles Morgan’s journey into space and her background as a teacher.