Three Isle of Man students are bound for NASA after winning this year’s ManSat scholarships to attend the United Space School in Houston, Texas.

Ciara Sowerby from Ballakermeen High School, Jowi Szetu, from Castle Rushen High School, and Will Farrant from Ramsey Grammar School will fly to the US later this month and spend two weeks working with peers from more than 20 countries on planning a simulated manned mission to Mars.  The Year 12 students will be supported by NASA astronauts, engineers and scientists.

Manx satellite firm the ManSat Group has awarded the Space School scholarships each year since 2000, in cooperation with the Department of Education and Children. From 2007, ManSat gave two scholarships a year, and last year increased it to three.

ManSat carries out satellite filings for the Isle of Man under a contract with the Isle of Man Government's Communications Commission.
Ciara is studying mathematics, biology and history at A-level. She said: ‘I was drawn to the competition after seeing previous winners from my school having a fantastic experience at the space school. I’ve always been interested in space, and over the years I have learnt to love the subject more and more. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the students who are taking part; we have been talking on social media and they all seem really nice.'

Jowi is studying mathematics, further maths, physics and computer science at A-level.

‘I’ve always had an interest in space, and when I heard about the competition in a school assembly, I knew I had to enter,’ said Jowi.

‘After A-levels, I am hoping to go to university and study computing, so even though my subject of choice isn't directly related to space, it is a field I am very interested in – and this trip could sway me.’

Will, who is studying mathematics, physics and Spanish at A-level, said: ‘When I was younger I wanted to be a pilot, but more recently I started looking at different careers in engineering so this seemed like a logical competition to enter. By choosing physics and maths at A-level, I have set myself up for an engineering career, so hopefully this trip will give me some more ideas on areas I would like to study further.

‘I went to Florida when I was younger, and visited the Kennedy Space Centre which left me awe inspired over the size of the Saturn V rocket, amongst the many other feats of engineering on show there.’

Each year, the scholars from around the world attend the United Space School’s Culture Faire and have to showcase their homeland. This year, Ciara, Jowi and Will are aiming to rustle up some bonnag and perform a Manx story or poem.

ManSat Chief Financial Officer Ian Sanders said: ‘The standard of entries for the competition was once again remarkably high. This is a wonderful opportunity for Ciara, Jowi and Will to learn about the space industry, and of course other related industries. The contacts they make will stay with them for life, and many previous ManSat scholars have gone on to forge successful careers within the space industry, both at home in the Isle of Man and abroad.

‘As ever, we are grateful to the Department of Education and Children, the secondary schools and King William’s College for their cooperation and support in helping us provide this annual opportunity for Manx students.’

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘The scholarships provided by the ManSat Group are a great example of the public and private sector working closely together to provide incredible opportunities for our young people.

‘With Ciara, Jowi and Will attending this year, it means 33 Isle of Man students will have been to the United Space School since the scholarship was launched in 2000. All the returning students describe it as a once in a lifetime experience and something they will never forget, and I’m sure this year’s scholars will benefit hugely from their time with NASA.’

ManSat also supports the annual Conrad Spirit of Innovation competition for Manx high schools, in cooperation with Apollo Astronaut Pete Conrad’s Foundation, and has sponsored Island high schools to participate in the UK Rocketry Challenge. In addition, the company awards an annual ‘ManSat Fellowship’ grant, for Manx students seeking to further their studies in space, and scholarships to programs run by the International Space University in Strasbourg.

Please visit www.unitedspaceschool.org for more information about the Space School and www.mansat.org for details of the company’s scholarships, and www.mansat.com for more details on ManSat itself.

Photo - from left – Year 12 students Jowi Szetu, Ciara Sowerby and Will Farrant, who are Houston-bound as winners of the ManSat Group’s 2017 NASA Space School scholarships.