Local students learn about rocket science during visit from Orbex

Inverness’s next generation of innovators were inspired as Cauldeen Primary School students from P1-P5, aged 4-9, learned more about rocket science, satellites, and the growing Scottish space industry during a visit from Forres-based Orbex

The orbital launch services company, based just 29 miles away from Cauldeen Primary School, is set to launch its rocket many more miles into space from Sutherland Spaceport.

From how the rocket will work, to how satellites are launched, and what the satellites will do in orbit, curiosity was ignited in the class of students who learned more about the exciting opportunities generated through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.

Phil Chambers, CEO at Orbex said: "Our team spent an engaging day with students at Cauldeen Primary School, any of whom could be Scotland’s future rocket engineers and space scientists. We hope the students left with a greater idea of the exciting possibilities that await right on their doorstep.”

Elaine Murray, P2/3 teacher at Cauldeen Primary School, said: “Some of our pupils from P1-P4 are doing their interdisciplinary learning (IDL) topic on Space this term. This is a topic that all the pupils (and teachers) are engaged with and excited to learn about each week. With Orbex building a rocket very close to us, and not long being granted planning permission for the launch site in the North of Scotland, we thought it was a great opportunity to have Orbex come and talk to us about the rocket they are building and the future launch.

The pupils were so excited at having people to work with 'actual rockets' in our school and were all very engaged with the lesson and in discussions. Pupils got to learn about Orbex’s microlauncher, Orbex Prime, and Sutherland Spaceport. We definitely have some budding astronauts and space scientists among us now.”

For further information, please contact Grayling:
Orbex@Grayling.com
Niamh Frizzell: : +44 (0) 7921 352 847
Sian Povey: +44 (0)7860 752 569