Why we needed Edge into Space

How often do you hear about a practical or vocational learning experience that is fun, inspirational and new – something that makes you wish you’d been able to do that? Not often enough. That’s why Edge came up with great ideas for a schools competition to motivate young people to learn and explore. Edge into Space challenged students to invent gadgets for use in outer space, offering the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to work with astronauts, rocket engineers and space scientists at NASA space centres in the USA.

Competition Judges

The judges of the competition brought a variety of expertise and experience to the competition, both around space travel and practical education:

Colin Pillinger CBE, a planetary scientist at the Open University, worked on the 2003 Beagle 2 Mars lander mission and the 2004 Genesis spacecraft.

Colin Michael Foale CBE is an Anglo-American veteran of four space shuttle missions and extended stays on both Mir and the International Space Station. He holds the record for most time spent in space by a US citizen: 374 days, 11 hours, 19 minutes.

Kate Bellingham is a broadcaster who has presented Tomorrow's World, and is President of Young Engineers, the national network of engineering clubs in schools and colleges.

Prize

35 lucky winners enjoyed a unique itinerary which included a visit to the Kennedy Space Centre, a laser star walk at the BCC Planetarium and Observatory, lunar walking training at the Astronaut Hall of Fame and a behind the scenes visit to Houston’s historic Mission Control.

We had lift-off

Edge into Space demonstrated that practical learning can be fun, engaging and innovative. Media coverage of the competition raised the profile of practical learning, and helped Edge to extend its network of supporters.

Teacher information

NASA has produced data to support the link between achievements in space and increased student interest in science and engineering. So get your class excited about science and space travel!