Boys reach for the stars in award rocket project
Teenagers need £2,000 for two-year space challenge
A group of teenagers are counting down on a two-year challenge to send a rocket into the stratosphere.
The five boys, who go to Sutton Valence School in Maidstone, have taken on the task after signing up to Crest Awards, a scheme run by the British Science Association.
Kristy Stanley, mum of Zach, says that the group – who call themselves ‘The Rogue Five’ – were initially approached by their school as they all showed a heavy interest in science and physics.
She said: “It turned out that the five of them really wanted to do it and decided on a project of sending a rocket into space which is quite a big ambition.”
The boys have already been collecting donations on their GoFundMe page to help them kickstart their project, and have raised more than £1,000 so far, half their target.
Kristy 39, from Milstead, said: “It’s amazing just how much
enthusiasm they have been showing, and we are absolutely astounded by the amount of people that have donated.”
The long-term and in-depth project has been predicted to take two years to complete.
Kristy added: “By the time they come to launch the rocket,
they will be starting their A-levels.
“I have to say I certainly didn’t have that dedication at the age of 14.”
One of the other boys working on the project, Oliver Walker, said: “I have always wanted to reach for the stars.
“The mechanics of a rocket engine has intrigued me for years, as well as space flight.
“We hope to raise enough for a 3D printer before the summer holidays to start working on our first prototype.”
Donate to the fundraiser at tinyurl.com/theroguefive