The sky’s the limit for Ollie
An aspiring astronaut and year 10 student from Camborne has enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip to NASA in Cape Canaveral, Florida. A student at Nexus, Camborne Science and International Academy’s Centre of Excellence, Ollie T’s 3-week visit included watching two rocket launches and meetings with some of the most influential people within the Space Industry.
“Having written to a number of organisations expressing his enthusiasm and passion for space exploration, we were delighted that Ollie was personally invited to America by the United Launch Alliance CEO, Tory Bruno” commented Director of Nexus, Dr Jo Foster. “It was such an incredible and life-changing experience and has left Ollie even more determined in his pursuit of a career within the industry.”
Ollie, who is part of the Gifted STEM Programme at CSIA, witnessed the launch of the historic NASA Parker Solar Probe. “This is the second most powerful rocket currently in operation anywhere in the world and I watched it take off at a distance of only 1.6 miles away from the Launch Pad!” commented Ollie. “I can truly say it was one of the best experiences of my life and one that I will remember forever.”
Ollie joined a handful of space experts and government officials including the Vice President; Mike Pence, to enjoy the launch.
“I made valuable connections during my time at Cape Canaveral and through my many conversations, I have been offered a future place on the ULA Internship Program!” said Ollie. “I have also secured the opportunity to visit both NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Washington D.C. and Lockheed Martin in California in the next few years.”
“Being able to have this experience was amazing, feeling the extreme power and sounds of the rocket as it lifted off – standing next to the Vice President of the United States; the President of Lockheed Martin; the Director of Kennedy Space Centre; ULA’s Tory Bruno and top NASA Scientists and Engineers. It was just unreal!”
“We’re absolutely delighted that Ollie is having such success at pursuing his dream” added Dr Foster.
Ian Kenworthy, Principal at CSIA, commented “This trip is certain to have had a real impact on Ollie’s educational experience and given him lifelong memories. We look forward to seeing how his career develops over the next few years. He is quite literally, reaching for the stars!”
If you would like to find out more about the Gifted Programmes at Nexus, contact us on reception@nexuscsia.co.uk
