Fresh from his stay on the International Space Station, Aggie Astronaut Colonel Mike Fossum joined Barbara Smith and Michael Oder Thursday morning on Brazos Valley This Morning. Fossum talked about NASA's new program to encourage young students to get involved in science.

Fossum also talked about the future of U.S. space exploration. He believes we need to return to having a U.S. vehicle to carry American Astronauts to and from space. NASA is also working toward exploring beyond low-earth orbit.

Fossum, who is a Texas A&M University graduate, returned to Earth just before Thanksgiving. He was able to catch the Aggie/Longhorn game. Fossum hopes that the schools will continue to play each other each year.

See the entire interview in the video player with this story.