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PATHWAYS TO SPACE: HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON LAUNCH

PATHWAYS TO SPACE: HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON LAUNCH

ADDIS ABABA

10 JULY 2024

Overview

About The Pathways to Space: High Altitude Balloon Launch

The first cohort of the Pathways to Space program, a new educational initiative arranged by the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy (FASESA) and Boeing [NYSE:BA], celebrated their graduation on July 10, 2024, in Ethiopia.

After five months of immersive learning, 312 students, including 50% girls, from 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania have developed a keen interest in the space industry, shaping their career aspirations.

Pascal Chidozi, a 16-year-old graduate of the program in Nigeria, shared his experience:

“Participating in the Pathways to Space program has been a life-changing experience for me. Building payloads, testing them, and learning about satellite operations has not only deepened my passion for STEM but has also opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities in space exploration. The most memorable moment for me was launching a high-altitude balloon, which provided me with a hands-on understanding of the principles of flight. This program has inspired me to pursue a career in aerospace engineering, equipping me with the confidence and knowledge to chase my dreams.”

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, expressed his enthusiasm:

“Right on the heels of the Boeing Starliner mission to the International Space Station, we are delighted to inspire more young people into the aerospace industry. We are looking forward to the innovative contributions the graduates of the Pathways to Space program will make, shaping the future of space exploration in the decades to come.”

The Pathways to Space Program helped 120 Ethiopian, 112 Nigerian, and 82 Tanzanian students explore the fascinating world of space through hands-on activities. They formed teams, designed a mission patch, built a prototype satellite, conducted tests, and presented their designs.

The program culminated in the satellite prototype testing day, where students tested their prototypes in real-world conditions. This comprehensive experience developed their engineering skills, passion for space exploration, and prepared them for future education and careers.

Sean Jacobs, founder and executive director at FASESA, remarked:

“We are incredibly proud of the students’ accomplishments. Their dedication and enthusiasm for STEM and space exploration are truly inspiring. The graduation ceremony not only celebrates their hard work during the program but also marks the beginning of their journey as future leaders in the space industry or more broadly in science and technology.”

FASESA and Boeing have set their sights on expanding the Pathways to Space program to other countries in Africa in the years to come. Starting next year, the program will offer both in-person and online participation, creating opportunities for more students across the African continent.

SPACE CAREER DAY 2023

SPACE CAREERS DAY

ST HENRY’S MARIST COLLEGE

4 DECEMBER 2023

Overview

About Space Careers Day

With our mission of Increasing Student Interest and Engagement in Space Exploration FASESA aims to organize a Space Careers Day at St Henry’s Marist College, in Durban providing students with insights into various careers in the field of space exploration and technology. This event will inspire and educate students about the exciting opportunities available in the aerospace industry and encourage their interest in pursuing careers in space-related fields.

“Space” does not mean one has to be an Astronaut. The impressive development of Space Applications gives immense opportunities to those who study IT, Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Geography, Medicine, Law, Management, Communications, Electronics, Physics, and so on.

The Space Careers Day will not only broaden the horizons of students but also inspire and unleash the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. By providing them with firsthand knowledge and interactions with professionals, this event will play a pivotal role in shaping their future careers in the fascinating world of space exploration.

WORLD SPACE WEEK SOUTH AFRICA 2023

WORLD SPACE WEEK CAPE TOWN

4th  – 6th OCTOBER 2023

 

About Space Week

World Space Week is an international celebration of space, science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. Established in 1999 by the United Nations, Space Week is commemorated globally on the 4th – 10th of October every year. This year, Space Week will be celebrated in Zambia with the theme “bringing space into the classroom as a gateway to STEM”. FASESA Zambia will host a Space Week event at the New Government Complex, Lusaka.

Space Week Zambia 2022 is a collaborative effort with stakeholders such as the Zambian Ministries of education, technology and science, the Ministry of Tourism. Other stakeholders include local and international corporate institutions, education institutions, space agencies, global space technology, and exploration industry leaders. Space exploration and the related STEM fields are an ever-expanding learning and career platform that will provide vast socio-economic benefits to Zambia and Africa.

During Space Week, FASESA Zambia will offer educators, administrators, officials, policymakers and students an opportunity to get acquainted with space exploration, space science education, and interaction with the actors involved in these fields.

ASTRONOMY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

ASTRONOMY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

FREE STATE NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

15 MARCH 2023

Overview

About Space Careers Day

The captivating Astronomy Community Engagement event in Bloemfontein, Free State, was thoughtfully orchestrated by FASESA. This unique gathering brought together members of the community, space enthusiasts, and professionals to explore the wonders of space and foster a deeper understanding of the cosmos.

FASESA’s commitment to promoting space education was evident throughout the event. Knowledgeable speakers and experts from FASESA shared their insights into the latest developments in space exploration, sparking curiosity and excitement among attendees. Moreover, FASESA’s dedication to community involvement was highlighted during the stargazing session, where community members had the opportunity to peer through telescopes and connect with the celestial wonders above.

The success of the Astronomy Community Engagement event underscores FASESA’s vital role in bridging the gap between space education and the local community. By organizing such initiatives, FASESA continues to inspire and educate, making significant strides in promoting STEM education and fostering a passion for space exploration among the residents of Bloemfontein and beyond.

STEM ORIENTATION WORKSHOPS

STEM ORIENTATION WORKSHOPS

13th -17th March 2023

 

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Educators want STEM initiatives that embrace engineering, math and science. The challenge is how to implement this multidisciplinary program without increasing any fragmentation/separation already existing between classes.

These workshops will help teachers and students to understand how engineering, science, physics and math can help shape their varied careers opportunities in the space sector. The workshops will help prepare South African kids for space careers, not jobs.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Our goal is to demonstrate the many careers the space sector offers.
Teachers and students need to know and understand what the space science
sector is and the career opportunities it offers.

“Space” does not mean they have to be an astronaut.

The impressive development of space applications gives immense opportunities
to those who study IT, Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Geography,
Medicine, Law, Management, Communications, Electronics, Physics, and so on.

WORLD SPACE WEEK ZAMBIA 2023

SPACE WEEK ZAMBIA

4th  – 10th OCTOBER 2023

 

INTRODUCTION

Space Week is a fantastic addition to any primary school’s calendar. It can be a great way to promote science across the school as the subject of space links to so many aspects of the primary science curriculum for all year groups. Space is also a vibrant context for cross-curricular learning which captures children’s imaginations.

Space week Zambia will be a collaborative effort with stakeholders such as the ministries of education, technology & science, the ministry of Tourism Zambia, space agencies, global space technology, and exploration industry leaders.

Space week will offer an immense opportunity to African educators, administrators, officials, policymakers & students in getting acquainted with space exploration, space science education, and networking with each other. This unique event will serve as an Introductory model, transferable from primary – High school, and lead to deep space contributions and social engagement from future space leaders. This event will also allow us to gather vital insights regarding the practicality and value of the FASESA academy.

 

About Space Week

World Space Week is an international celebration of space, science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. Established in 1999 by the United Nations, Space Week is commemorated globally on the 4th – 10th of October every year. This year, Space Week will be celebrated in Zambia with the theme “bringing space into the classroom as a gateway to STEM”. FASESA Zambia will host a Space Week event at the New Government Complex, Lusaka.

Space Week Zambia 2022 is a collaborative effort with stakeholders such as the Zambian Ministries of education, technology and science, the Ministry of Tourism. Other stakeholders include local and international corporate institutions, education institutions, space agencies, global space technology, and exploration industry leaders. Space exploration and the related STEM fields are an ever-expanding learning and career platform that will provide vast socio-economic benefits to Zambia and Africa.

During Space Week, FASESA Zambia will offer educators, administrators, officials, policymakers and students an opportunity to get acquainted with space exploration, space science education, and interaction with the actors involved in these fields.

FASESA ZAMBIA LAUNCH

FASESA ZAMBIA LAUNCH

4th  – 10th OCTOBER 2022

 

ABOUT FASESA

 

The Future African Space Explorer’s STEM Academy is a young but growing initiative with the aim of bringing space exploration to the African classroom, wherein the majority of learners have barriers to entry to the vocation through a lack of access to information and resources.

Through a collaborative effort with global space technology & exploration industry leaders and nation-states from South Africa and eventually the entire African space, we will bring the tools and infrastructure for the African child to explore space from their classroom to eventually reach the stars!

 

THE VISION

 

To bring Space to the classroom as a gateway to STEM. To educate all African students and empower them to expand their opportunities, enriching their community through science and technology. The concept is to give a top-down vision from strategic, economic, and technical perspectives and opportunities for employment in the Space sector and advocate for the creation of a sustainable space ecosystem. Space exploration is an expanding vocation that will provide vast socio-economic benefits to a nation through its youth, who are the future leaders.

 

THE MISSION

 

The world is far from the goal of equal opportunity for all, Education for All, and in our case ,Space for All. Circumstances beyond children’s control, including gender, race, ethnicity and the socio-economic status of their parents continue to affect their chances of succeeding in life.

Why Space Exploration -Space Science education?

Space exploration is an emerging global megatrend and recent developments in space travel may be setting the stage for a striking new era of Space science technology advancement.

Through technology, the world has become a global community and nations have become less segregated.

To play a meaningful role and have a substantive contribution to global policy and initiative, it is vital for a nation to have world-class systems and thought leaders in sectors and industries that are shaping the future. And Space exploration is shaping the future. Space education has to be part of a child’s Foundational learning, Foundational learning refers to basic literacy, numeracy, and transferable skills, that are the building blocks for a life of learning. Just as we would not build a house without solid foundations, we cannot expect a child to thrive without solid foundational skills. Yet today, across most of the developing world, these foundations of learning are not strong enough. As FASESA how do we make a difference?

INCREASING STUDENT INTEREST AND ENGAGEMENT IN SPACE EXPLORATION

INCREASING STUDENT INTEREST AND ENGAGEMENT IN SPACE EXPLORATION

27th – 29th APRIL 2022

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Space exploration is an emerging global megatrend and recent developments in space travel may be setting the stage for a striking new era of Space Exploration. As evidenced by the recent leaps and strides in space exploration by the likes of Sir. Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos, space exploration is an expanding vocation that will provide vast socio-economic benefits to a nation.

FASESA understands that cultivating an interest in space exploration begins at a young age. Introducing the vocation to children, and then guiding and equipping them with the resources and skills to explore the subject further, will greatly increase a nation’s ability to produce thought leaders in the field, who will form the basis of future space programs

 

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

 

The Conference offers a great opportunity for African teachers, administrators, education officials, and students to get acquainted with Space exploration in the curriculum, and each other. Space education experts sharing new teaching methodologies with African institutions will make a long-lasting connection.

This unique event will serve as a model, transferable to other K-12 institutions and lead to deep space contributions and societal engagement from future space leaders.

This event will bring together teachers, administrators, managers, students, and our space education experts to discuss current challenges and innovative solutions for Increasing Student Interest and Engagement in Space Exploration.

This event will offer teachers a first-hand opportunity to learn about how space exploration in the curriculum is important in early childhood education and beyond.

 

CONFERENCE AIM

 

The teachers and students need to know and understand what the Space Science Sector is and the career opportunities it offers. ‘”Space” does not mean they have to be an Astronaut. The impressive development of Space Applications gives immense opportunities to those who study IT, Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Geography, Medicine, Law, Management, Communications, Electronics, Physics, and so on.

SPACE EXPLORATION & LITERACY IN THE CURRICULUM CONFERENCE

SPACE EXPLORATION & LITERACY IN THE CURRICULUM CONFERENCE

27th – 29th MAY 2022

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Kids are Interested in Space, according to a Harris Poll survey conducted in the US, UK and China, 86% of children aged 8 to 12 say they are interested in space exploration, and 90% of them want to learn more. Interestingly, 83% of parents (averaged across the three countries) who participated in the survey believe their children are interested in space, yet only 53% of kids say their interest in space is fuelled by their parents, citing teachers (79%) and the internet (71%) as primary learning sources. With the 51st anniversary of the first moon landing on July 2020, many students will be curious about the brave astronauts who visited the moon and more recent space explorations. To help feed the students’ curiosity about space and inspire STEM reading and writing, Space Exploration & Literacy in the Curriculum will be of paramount importance. Students are fascinated by brave space explorers. Becoming an astronaut requires a lot of education, training, and hard work.

 

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

 

The exploration of space is among the most fascinating ventures of modern times. It has carried first instruments, then people themselves, beyond Earth’s atmosphere, into a remoteness that until relatively recently was hardly known or understood. Although its borders already have been crossed, space still holds mysteries and, undoubtedly, surprises beyond number. Space Education in the curriculum will allow students to access education, and increases economic prospects, broaden opportunities for social mobility, and contribute to the empowerment of students STEM, and Space Exploration knowledge. This conference will bring together leaders and decision-makers within the Astronomy & STEM community – engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, agency representatives and policy makers to discuss current challenges and innovative solutions and it will contain opportunities to learn about how space exploration in the curriculum is important in early childhood education.

 

CONFERENCE AIM

 

The teachers and students need to know and understand what the Space Science Sector is and the career opportunities it offers. ‘”Space” does not mean they have to be an Astronaut. The impressive development of Space Applications gives immense opportunities to those who study IT, Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Geography, Medicine, Law, Management, Communications, Electronics, Physics, and so on.