Students between 7th and 12th grade got a chance to work side-by-side with astronauts at the two-day program.

MIDLAND, Texas — Midland Independent School District students got a chance to shoot for the stars at the “Go For Launch” two-day space-inspired STEM program.

Students between 7th and 12th grade worked side-by-side with astronauts and space professionals to design experiments that could be launched into space.

When retired astronaut Charles Camadra was asked about how to become an astronaut, he said his passion drove him.

“Go with your heart. Go where your passion is,” Camadra said. “Because I was an astronaut, but my real passion was research and engineering, and that’s what I came back to, and that’s what I love.”

The event continues on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.