Shetland Space Centre Hosts First Astronaut Training Camp for Kids This Summer

Shetland Space Centre, on the Isle of Unst, will host the first astronaut training camp for children. The project was proposed by astronaut teacher, Mike Mongo, who would be in charge of the operations. Mongo already managed to attract two astronauts and an astronaut trainee to host the lessons.

Astronaut training camp organisation details

The astronaut training camp will teach students online, while the teachers will actually travel to Unst. The event implies openings for 120 children that will be subdivided into two equal groups of 60 students each. The first one will study in the local time zone, while the second one – on US time. The cost of attending this virtual camp will be around $100 (£70). However, astronaut training camp initiators are also thinking of introducing scholarships so that the price would not become an issue. Right now, children aged from 10 to 12 can fill in a registration form online to make use of this exciting opportunity to pursue future careers in the space sector.

Shetland space centre representatives on camp potential

Shetland space centre representatives are quite excited about the opportunity. Yvette Hopkins, Head of Shetland operation, calls the summer camp prospect a delightful one. She adds that spaceport management is determined to invest in young people who would potentially pursue careers in the space sector. Considering that the space industry will continue to develop in the next decade, the astronaut training camp from Shetland Space Centre will give youngsters a unique chance to get basic education relevant for their future careers.