Sixth-form students once again head to Houston for the United Space School

Ballakermeen sends three pupils in this year's programme

Three sixth-form students have flown to Houston to take part in the annual United Space School.

Each year, children from more than 20 countries across the globe gather in Texas for two weeks with the goal of planning a crewed mission to Mars.

This year, Isabelle Nazar, Holly McEvoy and Dante Kunstel from Ballakermeen High School won the scholarship competition organised by River Advisers.

Isabelle is studying maths, further maths, physics, and German at A-level.

She said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting people from all over the world and working together on the project. I want to study engineering in university before potentially doing a masters in genetic engineering. 

"I’m not entirely sure which path of engineering I want to go down, so Space School will help me explore different sectors."

Dante is studying A-levels in maths, physics, and biology, along with an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

He said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing inside the Space Center, especially all of the control rooms which I have seen on TV over the years.

"To go there and see them is such a rare opportunity. To prepare, I’ve been watching lots of tech videos on YouTube for inspiration for when we arrive in Houston. 

"In the future, I want to specialise in energy generation. This opportunity at the Space School is really something I can use to the fullest extent.”

Holly McEvoy is studying A-levels in maths, biology, and physics.

She said: “I’m most looking forward to meeting students from different places who share the same interests and learning how space missions are planned and operated. To prepare for Space School, I’ve been reading more about space exploration and learning about previous NASA missions. 

"I’m hoping to study law at university and then specialise in space law for my career. With this trip, I hope to learn whether a career in the space sector is right for me.”

River Advisers has been sponsoring Isle of Man students to attend the USS since 2000.

The USS is run by the Foundation for International Space Education (FISE) and the students will be supported by NASA astronauts, engineers, and scientists.

The scholarships to attend the USS are awarded in cooperation with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC).