Three Manx students will take part in the second Virtual Global Space School.

David Cowin, Anna Cregeen and Winona Reese Dalugdugan won the annual competition arranged by the ManSat Group to take part in the space school.

As part of the school, students will find out what it takes to plan a trip to Mars across a fortnight.

Anna, who attends King William’s College, said: ’I am aiming to study biology after sixth form, so when I heard about the space school and how we would be planning a mission to Mars, I drew inspiration from The Martian (a film and novel) and my interest in how biology links with space exploration.

’I’m most looking forward to learning more about the role that biology plays in space travel, whether it is looking at how to keep the astronauts healthy or testing for life on other planets.’

Winona, from Ramsey Grammar, is aiming to study engineering at university.

She said: ’Even though it is online I still think it will be completely worthwhile.

’During the two weeks I will hopefully learn much more, it will be exciting to meet new people and work together to complete the mission.

’I am extremely grateful to ManSat for the sponsorship for this unique opportunity because it is not as if you can say that you can talk to industry experts and astronauts every day.’

St Ninian’s High School student David is interested in a career in either nuclear physics or aerospace engineering.

He added: ’It is disappointing that we won’t have the full space school experience in Houston, however, the program will still be amazing, not only due to what we will learn but because of the similar minded people from all over the world that we will meet.’

ManSat has sponsored island sixth form students to travel to Houston since 2000 but due to the pandemic, last year’s event was held online.

This will continue this year as students link up via video.

Jennifer Stone, ManSat’s chief technical officer, said: ’This virtual gathering should be a wonderful experience for Anna, Winona and David.

’We are hopeful space school will be back to its in-person format in Houston for 2022.’ The space school runs from July 24 to August 8.