NASA astronaut takes students on a space ride
Ever
dreamt of having a space centre in school or getting first-hand
information from an astronaut working with NASA? Well this was made
possible for students at Mulund’s NES International School.
Students
from nearly 12 city schools got to meet Capt Jon McBride, an astronaut
who came to the school to design and demonstrate a ‘4 Dimension Space
Exploration Programme’. The two-day event, organized by the Mulund
school, was a unique initiative to bring students up close with
celestial bodies and quench their curiosity to know more about space.
The
event commenced with the inauguration of a space exploration centre
created in the school followed by a workshop ‘Earth to Space’. McBride began
his interaction by emphasizing the importance of education. “Chase your
dreams but before that make sure you complete your education,” he said.
Students quizzed McBride on space, the discoveries so far and various
career prospects in this field. Questions shot at the astronaut ranged
from whether there were aliens in space to which is the fastest space
shuttle.
Narrating about his maiden expedition and tips to survive in space, McBride said, “Looking at Earth
from space is the greatest feeling one can ever get.” A model rocket
launching exercise was also held while some students participated in a
space colony designing contest.
“This programme will not only help explore the concept of space and the universe but also give
students an opportunity to advance their careers in space sciences,”
said Dr R Varadarjan, founder principal of the school and president of
NES-SVB group of institutions.
Other guests present were Dr Jaydeep Mukherjee, director of NASA
Florida space grant, and Sreela M, another NASA official. Giving
students insights about the career prospects in space engineering and
astronomy, Mukherjee said, “It is a myth that only students good at
physics can be employed at NASA.” There are various options to pursue a
career in space science and it is a lucrative one that will be in the
limelight for at least another 50 years, he added.
Capt Jon McBride inaugurates a space centre at NES International School
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