Week at NASA was just out of this world
Calderside Academy pupil attends Space School
Blantyre schoolboy Alex Paterson had an ‘out of this world’ experience during his recent 10-day trip to the prestigious NASA Space School.
The S6 Calderside Academy student earned a place on the Houston, USA, trip after attending the Scottish Space School, a week-long residential event at the University of Strathclyde aimed at inspiring young people to consider careers in engineering.
While taking part in the Strathclyde Uni project he underwent a rigorous interview process, securing one of 10 places to conclude the activity in the States – jetting off to begin the programme entitled ‘Learning Journey to Houston’.
During the trip, which focuses on promoting STEM subjects, Alex had a rare opportunity to meet astronauts, engineers and scientists working on the space programme – as well as have a little fun too, of course.
Alex explained: “During the Scottish Space School at the University of Strathclyde I completed all tasks asked of me and thought my interview for NASA went well, but I genuinely thought I had no chance of making the final 10 for the actual trip to the States. I couldn’t believe it when my name was read out and I could hardly wait to get going.
“We flew out to Houston in October for the ‘Learning Journey’ and the week was eased in with a day at Kemah boardwalk and a pool party at an astronaut’s house, while a high school football match set the tone for the week to come.
“We then made our first visit to NASA, having a guided tour by NASA engineer Lee Graham around the huge facilities including the neutral buoyancy lab and mission control.
“This was incredible but only a small part of a hugely busy week where we met heroes like Gene Kranz and Fred Haise, who truly inspired all of us to pursue engineering and our goals in life.”
Alex now hopes to study engineering at university upon finishing his sixth year at Calderside.
He added: “I had been quite uncertain of whether I wanted to do engineering at university at first. But this has taught me a great lesson and I know now that when an opportunity arises, it has to be taken, for that was the best week of my life.”