Isle of Man students have a chance to win scholarships to the prestigious NASA United Space School in Houston, Texas next summer.

The opportunity is open to all Year 12/Lower 6 students in the Island, with the scholarships awarded by Manx satellite firm, the ManSat Group, in cooperation with the Department of Education and Children.

ManSat first offered the scholarships in 2000 and to date 33 students have spent two weeks in Houston at the School, working alongside peers from around the world to plan a simulated manned mission to Mars, with support from NASA astronauts, engineers and scientists.
The winners of the 2017 scholarships were Ciara Sowerby from Ballakermeen High School, Jowi Szetu, from Castle Rushen High School, and Will Farrant from Ramsey Grammar School.

To enter the competition to win a scholarship in summer 2018, students must write three essays, with the closing date for entries being Friday, 12 January 2018. Interested students should contact their head of sixth form or science teacher, or visit www.mansat.org for more details, including the three essay questions.

ManSat Chief Financial Officer Ian Sanders is visiting each of the Island’s high schools and King William’s College to speak to sixth-form students about the opportunity.

Ian explained: ‘There has been great interest so far in the 2018 scholarships, and we are keen to receive more entries from around the Island. The feedback from Ciara, Jowi and Will mirrored that of previous recipients – it is an opportunity of a lifetime to forge new friendships and valuable industry connections with peers from around the world. We are grateful again for the strong support shown by the Department of Education & Children.’

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘This is a wonderful opportunity for any student, and not just those interested in the sciences – the space industry involves so many varied roles, that those studying other subjects will be equally at home. The Department is grateful to the ManSat Group for its ongoing support in providing these scholarships to students, and we look forward to meeting next year’s recipients on their return from Houston.’ 

For more details about the United Space School, visit www.unitedspaceschool.org.