Students at Hilltop Elementary had a special experience Monday, learning from astronauts who are currently in space.  

About 20 students from Hilltop Elementary used a radio to ask questions to astronauts on board the International Space Station. With the help of a Maryland radio station and NASA, the kids were able to talk with them in real time. 

Beth Lopatta, a second-grade teacher at Hilltop Elementary, said a student told her that a relative of hers worked for NASA. Soon after, Lopatta got an application on her phone for the special opportunity they received. 

"The application was a lengthy process, but it was all worth it because we found out later that we're one of four schools in the whole nation that I got this opportunity per year, so we couldn't be happier," added Lopatta in a January interview with 21 News.   

This will not be the last chance for Hilltop Elementary students to talk to astronauts, however. STEM teacher, Stephanie Palumbo, said they have a private conversation set up with astronaut John Shoffner next week. 

“It’s going to be a google meet, so we’ll actually get more students to get a chance to ask questions to an astronaut, so this is just the beginning, this really sparked interest in the students,” Palumbo said.