Southern Regional College (SRC) student Lee Johnston
A Co Armagh student is set to enjoy an out of this world opportunity over the summer – with a placement at the world famous United Space School.
Lurgan lad Lee Johnston, a student at Southern Regional College, will be getting the real NASA experience in Houston, Texas, after winning a coveted place in the competition.
The 18-year-old Year 1 Applied Science student will join a team of his peers from all over the world who will study at the University of Clear Lake, which is next to the NASA Johnson Space Centre.
The United Space School competition was established by the Foundation for International Space Education (FISE) a private foundation with the mission to provide space-based education to international pre-university students, while offering an introduction and orientation to the aerospace industry.
Lee says he is excited for the opportunity to go to Houston, which he describes as on his ‘bucket list’.
He is particularly keen to learn about Mars after doing research projects on the planet during his course at the college.
“Space has always been a big interest of mine from when I was young,” he said.
“My granda and I would have used his telescope to look at the stars and with his partner, Eve. We would spend hours every weekend walking up and down the lane observing the night sky and talking about space.
“I’m specifically interested in learning more about Mars when I’m over there.”
Lee’s goal is to eventually work at the European Space Agency and he says this experience will be a huge help for him in gaining a career in astrophysics.
Laura Martin SRC Curriculum Area Manager, Faculty of Health and Science, said it was a “brilliant opportunity” for the teenager.
“Lee is among of a handful of people in UK and Ireland who has been selected,” she said.
Southern Regional College (SRC) student Lee Johnston pictured with Laura Martin SRC Curriculum Area Manager, Faculty of Health and Science
“This educational experience will not only enhance his academic and personal growth but will also distinguish him professionally, setting him apart from others.”
FISE invites students from over 28 countries to Houston each summer to participate in United Space School. Many of the countries selecting students for Space School are currently partners in development and operation of the International Space Station.
The students at the United Space School will be designing their own ‘Mission to Mars’ under the mentorship of engineers, scientists and leaders in the aerospace industry. Every day the aspiring astronauts will learn some fascinating space-related subjects such as how zero gravity affects the human body; how propulsion systems work or the laws of space.
Then students will be assigned to four different teams for the Mission to Mars, each with a different objective: Mission Control; Mars Operation & Logistics; the Mars Transit team; Mars Habitation team and finally Mars Exploration.
The United Space School also has guest speakers who give lectures to students, and these have also included astronauts giving firsthand accounts of long-duration spaceflight.
Last year SRC A level student Lisa Murdock from Tandragee joined the United Space School.
She knows only too well what lies in store for Lee and other participants and was thrilled to have the chance to go to Texas.
“Jetting off to Houston at the time was quite daunting however, the experience was incredible,” she said. “I met so many people from all around the world and we still stay connected – we already have had a few reunions.
“During my time there, we were split into different groups and had to focus on specific space projects. I also had the chance to visit space centres, hear from guest speakers and met a few astronauts as well!
“The experience enabled me to develop so many skills particularly teamwork and it has helped me shape my career path.
“My advice for Lee and others attending this year, would be ‘Go for it and get stuck in. Try and get to know as many people as possible. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity’.”
Lee flies out to Houston to attend the United Space School on July 14.
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Dr. Thomas Hughes is a UK-based scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to readers. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
