Students into Space

Tuesday 11 January 2005

Selected high school students from around New South Wales will attend a Space School at the University of Newcastle from the 12 to 15 January 2005.

The Program has been designed by Jeanette Rothapfel, Head Teacher Science at Maitland High School and Professor John O'Connor from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology.

In 2004, Jeanette was awarded the BHP Billiton Science Award for secondary teaching and is the first person outside the USA to be entrusted with moon rock samples to show as part of her regular talks on space.

Professor O'Connor says the purpose of the school is to interest gifted secondary students in studies and careers in space science.

"Australia will play an increasing role in the study and monitoring of space and it is important to be able to offer this kind of career opportunity to the brightest students."

30 students from throughout the state are being offered the opportunity to attend the school.

During the three days, the students will attend lectures related to space technology and participate in a "Space Challenge".

The University of Newcastle is part of the FedSat program that successfully launched a research satellite into space just over two years ago.

The Newcastle Space Physics Group is responsible for the on board magnetometer 'NewMag', which is measuring the earth's magnetic field and its variations in space.

For interviews and information contact Professor John O'Connor on 02 4921 5439.