A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy wrote a letter to NASA recently. Here it is:

Imgur

My name is Dexter I heard that you are sending 2 people to Mars and I would lik to come but I’m 7. So I can’t. I would like to come in the future. What do I need to do to become an astrounaut?

Thank you

Dexter

Here’s what he got in reply, which his dad then posted on Reddit:

Dear Dexter:

On behalf of NASA, thank you for writing us a letter. NASA wants you to know that your thoughts and ideas to further space exploration are important, and we hope that you will continue to learn all you can about NASA’s space programs, missions and accomplishments. Just think – in a few years, you could be one of the pioneers that may help lead the world’s activities for better understanding of our earth and for exploring space.

[...]

Again, thank you for your letter… NASA wishes you every success in earning good school grades and encourages you to keep reaching for the stars!

The agency also included some pictures of Mars, photos of the Mars Curiosity rover, and a sticker and bookmark.

Dexter was pretty chuffed.

Imgur

Dexter’s dad wrote to a NASA employee on Reddit:

Thank you so much for replying to these letters honestly I didn’t expect as much as he received, neither did he. I was actually trying to keep him from being disappointed if he didn’t get a response, I thought you guys would just be too busy. This sort of thing means the world to children and keeps their imagination and faith in the industry alive. [...] Thank you from both of us, he was so excited when he got the letter.

What is Sharknado and why is everyone talking about it?>

9 of the most awkward marriage proposals ever>