Can you ask questions like a fifth grader?

“What is the hardest rocket to build?”

“When was NASA made?

“What happens if the rocket is not built right?”

“Has anything caught on fire while launching a rocket?”

“What happens when a spaceship hits an asteroid?

“How much do you get paid?”

Monte Vista Elementary School fifth graders peppered NASA presenters with questions following a talk led by NASA Education and Outreach Specialist Jarrod Bales on Thursday, Nov. 30.

After talking about what the National Aeronautical and Space Administration does and describing the rockets it sends into space, Bales and his fellow presenters, Strategic Planner Kristen Leyva and Mission Manager Chuck Tatro, took questions from the students.

The hardest rocket to build is currently being built In Texas, where SpaceX is putting together the heaviest, most ambitious project yet. Named Starship, it is the biggest rocket to ever be built in the world.

NASA was founded in 1958. Rockets go through numerous tests before going into space to prevent things from happing, like setting things on fire. When a spaceship hits an asteroid, it might affect the trajectory of the asteroid and it will disintegrate.

Bales declined the offer to share what he is paid, but said it is public because he works for the federal government.

“You can make a pretty good living and there are a lot of cool benefits,” he said. “We can work part of the time at home. You do make a decent living.”

When one of the teachers asked what the students need to do if they want to work for NASA, the answer was simple and possibly daunting.

“You have to be persistent, you have to love learning,” Leyva said. “Learn to fall in love with learning.”

Bales said the job involves everything from science, math, reading and working hard in school. Students have to show the effort and care about school.

“NASA doesn’t want people who are just going to show up,” he said. “Learning is a huge deal. I need you guys to show up and give effort. You can’t show up and not try.”