Three students from the island are bound for Houston, USA, this summer after winning scholarships to attend NASA’s United Space School (USS).

Hannah Midghall from St Ninian’s High School, Harry Dunne from Ramsey Grammar School, and Alexander Brew from Queen Elizabeth II High School have been chosen as winners of the ManSat Group’s scholarships to spend two weeks at the USS.

The year 12 students will work with peers from more than 20 countries on planning a simulated crewed mission to Mars, 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, Sport and Culture. ManSat carries out satellite filings for the Isle of Man under a contract with the Isle of Man Government’s Communications Commission.

Hannah is studying physics, biology and English at A-level and completing an extended project about AI (artificial intelligence) and bionics.

She said: ’I hope to study biomedical engineering at university and I’m looking into a career in bionics and prosthetic technology.

’I have always had an interest in space and engineering so when I heard about this competition in year nine I knew I would have to apply.

’As I want to study engineering in the future, I hope to learn more about it in a practical way that we don’t get the opportunity to do in school.

’I’m looking forward to meeting and making friends with other students from around the world; each with different cultures but all with a common interest in space.

’I am also excited to meet the scientists and engineers as I’m sure they will be a huge inspiration and push me to work harder.’

Alexander is studying mathematics, further mathematics, physics and German at A-Level and is hoping to study astrophysics or mathematics at university and pursue a career in one of those fields.

He said: ’I’m undecided as to which one to specialise in and I’m hoping the experience at the USS will help me decide on what path to pursue, and possibly give me further insight into what careers I could do within the space industry.

Exploration

’The exploration of space has always fascinated me. My interest in mathematics and science has always been strong, and when I learnt about the competition, I knew it would be a fantastic experience if selected.

’There’s a lot I am looking forward to, namely, meeting new people, learning new things.

’Most of all, I am thrilled to be visiting NASA for the first time.

’Their programs from Gemini to Apollo, the Space Shuttle, the Mars rovers and everything else has really inspired me. My curiosity about space exploration definitely had an impact on my subject choices.’

Harry is studying economics, politics, history and English literature at A-level and is considering a career in law, politics or finance.

’I’ve always had an interest in space and the great unknown,’ Harry explained.

’I’m looking forward to the challenge of throwing myself into a field that I know very little about and working with skilled peers to see if we can accomplish an interesting objective.

’I’m sure the skills that I learn will be useful for any career I take.

’I have been obsessed with the concept of space since I was very young, and this scholarship to the NASA United Space School fulfills a childhood dream.’

The scholarship competition involved writing three space-related essays and the three students thanked their schools and teachers for their support.

Dr Jennifer Stone, ManSat’s senior manager for regulatory affairs, was the winner of the company’s first ever USS scholarship in 2000.

She said: ’This year’s scholars will bring the total number of Isle of Man students to visit the USS to 38.

Incredible

’Having experienced it myself, I know that Hannah, Alexander and Harry are going to have an incredible time and I’m excited to hear about their adventures and to follow their careers on their return.

’We would like to thank all the students who took the time to enter the competition.

’The standard of essays is consistently very high, so it is never easy choosing our winners.

’Our thanks also go to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, the island’s secondary schools and King William’s College for their support in running the scholarships.’

Education Minister Graham Cregeen said: ’What an opportunity this is for Hannah, Alexander and Harry. They will get to meet so many new people and learn so much during what promises to be a fantastic experience for them. On behalf of the Department, I would like to thank the team at ManSat for continuing to offer these incredible opportunities to our young people.’

ManSat also supports the annual Conrad Challenge 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.

The company also 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.