Space may be the final frontier but students from Loreto are off to get a taste of life as an astronaut in Belgium.

Sixteen maths and physics students are off to Space Camp where as well as experiencing zero gravity they will take part in a simulated shuttle launch and be taught the skills needed to design and launch their very own rocket!

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the training astronauts undertake and give the students a chance to immerse themselves in the exciting world of space travel and exploration ,” said physics teacher Mr Martin who is organising the trip."Everyone loves space and as well as being fun the students will gain a better understanding of space science through interactive workshops, talks and demonstrations,” he added. “Little do they know it yet but some of the work on gravity and interstellar travel will be encountered in the A2 physics syllabus and so the trip will be incredibly useful for the lower sixth students.”

Students will undertake a moon walk in a zero gravity harness and take part in a simulation of a US Space Shuttle mission but will also have informative lectures on Life In Space, The International Space Station and the History of Space Conquest.