The European Space Camp happens every year at the Andoya Rocket Range in Northern Norway. In 2010 Space Academy competition winner Ryan MacDonald flew out to join students from Norway, the UK, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria and Romania for a week of hands - on rocket activities and unforgetable experiences.  He was joined by Space Academy Education Officer Sophie Allan who delivered a two hour masterclass on Mars and the possibilities of human survival on the planet.

The main project for the week was for participants to work in groups on seperate tasks to design and build an sounding rocket (that travels at Mach 2 and above) and to study and interpret the telemetry they gain.

Ryan joined the atmospheric physics group, whose responsibilities included building the atmospheric sensors, monitoring, interpreting and predicting weather conditions and building and launching a weather balloon pre-launch to confirm safe launch conditions.  As an extra activity they also built a cloud chamber to investigate cosmic particles.

After an intensive four day preparation period (under the tutelage of professional space scientists) the time came to launch the rocket.  The launch was a complete success and the rocket reached and altitude of over 10km.  Participants then had a day in which to analyse the telemetary that they received. 

The project culminated in each group presenting their findings to the rest of the participants and Andoya Rocket Range Staff.

In between all the launch preparations the students attended a number of lectures given by leading Space Science researchers and practitioners from all over Europe.  Sophie's session focused on encouraging group discussion and implementing hands on activities and was extremely well received.  In the official feedback it was rated as one of the best overall sessions and students insisted in continuing through their lunch break.

There was also a very hectic social schedule including a whale safari, guided tour of the Northern Lights Centre, BBQ at the southern end of the Island and a farewell party.  Each night was rounded off with a brisk dip in the Arctic Ocean.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for students to participate in a realistic Space Mission and experience the teamworking, problem solving, mathematical, communication and key skills utilised daily within the Space industry. 

For a report from Ryan on the impact that this experience had click here

For more information on the European Space Camp please click here