SEA 2011 Trip to Houston and Florida

This year on October 21st, Space Education Adventures (SEA) saw fifteen students, from three different schools, travel to Houston and Florida.

Nine of those students were from Callington Community College, with a further three coming from Rivers Academy West London and Harris City Academy Crystal Palace.

Students Dan Ball, Alex Pester, Kieran Walker, Sam Grocott, Jack Williams, Sam Tarplee, Aislyn Taylor, Laura Cottam and Tamsyn Joll all took part in a year-long selection process to achieve a secure place on the trip.

The group travelled to both Houston in Texas and Orlando in Florida. Within those ten days, we as students gained the opportunity to observe and meet Engineers and Astronauts that worked alongside companies such as Lockheed Martin and of course, NASA.

Our stay in Houston lasted five days, but needless to say, we managed to achieve a lot in that time! While we were there we visited places such as The Johnson Space Centre, Pearl Hall Elementary and Lockheed Martin, the home of the Orion Crew Module and Engineers working on the new MPCV (Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle). It was a real honour to meet and observe what is soon to be the next vehicle into space! Our final night in Houston came with a pleasant surprise, as we were able to meet and dine with three Astronauts! Chris Hadfield, Scott Kelly and Alvin Drew all kindly gave their time, which was filled by inquisitive questions and opinions from all students. That's one memory that we shan't be forgetting in a hurry!

After our five glorious days in Houston, we flew over to Florida. Despite claiming the nickname ‘The Sunshine State' we did unfortunately witness some heavy rain, although needless to say, it was still rather humid! During the 5 days spent in Orlando, we of course visited Kennedy Space Centre. Where we got the chance to go inside the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building), something that not many people ever get to do, but the excitement didn't end there. Whilst in the VAB we also got to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour! I don't think any of us had any idea how vast and big it was. We also visited the ATX (Astronaut Training Facility) where we got the opportunity to build motor based rockets and have a go on the Tri Axis Gyroscopic Simulator. Those who absolutely love being spun really fast and upside down, take note!

I can honestly say that this year's trip was an amazing experience that none of those involved will ever forget. We have all made new friends, experienced life in the role of Engineers and Astronauts and most importantly developed new transferrable skills that will enable us to achieve certain goals in our lives.

The Selection Process for 2012 is now already underway, so we all wish the best of luck to those involved!

Tamsyn Joll, Year 13