Each summer the Foundation for International Space Education invites students from over twenty three countries to participate in the NASA United Space School based in Houston, Texas.
This year, St. Colman’s College student Ted Pyne has been selected to represent his school at the programme which brings together up to fifty students to study under the mentorship of space engineers, scientists and leaders in the aerospace industry.
St. Colman’s College and Loreto Fermoy are the only two participating schools in Ireland for this programme which begins in July.
Participating countries and their respective schools are recommended by individuals associated with NASA, as well as various international aerospace and education entities.
This year’s curriculum and schedule is designed to provide the structure, knowledge, resources, mentoring, and appropriate settings for the project, a Manned Mission to Mars.
In St. Colman’s, Ted was selected as the winning student after undertaking initial application, interview and essay. The final selection was weighted by academic excellence particularly in Physics as well as students’ citizenship skills within the school.
Ted is being assisted on his travels by a contribution from the St. Colman’s College Parents’ Council as well as a PPU bursary contribution.
The year’s United Space School runs from July 17 to August 1.