Molly's Mars Mission

Girvan Academy pupil, Molly Beckett, will help plan the next manned mission to Mars!

Molly has been selected to visit the NASA International Space School in Texas this August. The S5 pupil will work on the mission during the exciting two-week programme, alongside 50 other students from all over the world.

As well as working on the mission to Mars, Molly will also visit the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, Saturn V rocket, Mission Control, and even get the opportunity to meet some astronauts!

Molly said: "I wanted to go to NASA as it would give me the chance to find out what it's like to work in the space industry. The programme will also provide valuable STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)experience and support my future career plans of becoming an Astrophysicist, working for the European Space Agency (ESA)."

Councillor Stephen Ferry, portfolio holder for Education for South Ayrshire Council said "This will be the opportunity of a lifetime for Molly. We're keen that wherever possible, young people take advantage of extra-curricular activities to give them a boost on their chosen career path. Good luck, Molly - I'm sure you'll do your school and South Ayrshire proud!"

Girvan Academy Head Teacher Mark Anderson said: "This is a great opportunity for Molly, she will gain valuable experience for the future and act as an ambassador for Scotland, South Ayrshire and the school. Due to COVID restrictions the programme has been a virtual event for the last two years, so it's great to see it starting up in person again."

Molly has been seeking support from local businesses to help fund her once in a lifetime trip and she also has a JustGiving page-https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/molly-space-school?utm_term=Rvb8WBYqRA