Two sixth-form students from Ballakermeen High School are preparing to set off to NASA’s United Space School – and will be taking a little Bee Gees magic with them.

Josie McGarrigle and Sam Lancaster, both 17, won the annual ManSat scholarships to attend the two-week space school in Houston, Texas, which starts on Sunday, July 26th.

This is the first time that the same school has provided both scholars since ManSat started awarding two scholarships in 2007.

Josie and Sam, who will stay with US families connected with NASA, are eager to get started and meet their peers from 21 other countries around the world. And they are keen to promote the Isle of Man, which is a challenge they must face in the annual ‘talent show’ as part of the Space School Culture Faire, at which students showcase their homeland.

‘We’ve decided to pull out all the stops and perform some Bee Gees,’ explained Sam. ‘Thankfully, I have a gifted falsetto with a likeness to Barry, so we shouldn’t have much trouble provoking a standing ovation from the audience!’

Josie, who lives in Farmhill, Douglas, is studying mathematics, further mathematics, physics and English language at A-level and is aiming for a career in the study and research of physics. Sam, from Onchan, is studying mathematics, further mathematics, physics and chemistry and is looking to specialise in either physics or chemistry at university, with some courses in robotics and artificial intelligence catching his eye.

The competition for the ManSat scholarships involved writing essays on three space-related issues.

‘From a young age I have always been fascinated by physics and astronomy,’ said Josie. ‘I’m excited about the opportunity to study my subjects in more detail at the Space School, and learn about the different cultures of other students who share my passion. Working in teams of people from around the world will broaden my knowledge, both educationally and culturally.’

Sam says he would encourage all sixth-formers to enter the competition in future years. ‘It’s a great opportunity to add something to your CV that only a few others will experience,’ he said.

‘There’s so much to look forward to – the possibility of getting to see the iconic control centre, flight simulators, and astronaut testing equipment. I’ve got my fingers crossed that there will be the opportunity to see things that are normally behind closed doors. And, of course, the whole mission simulation project we undertake in the Space School will be incredible. I’m certain that I’ll aim for a career in maths and science anyway, but I can see this trip swaying me towards astrophysics.’

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the ManSat scholarships to the Space School, and it is the last award being overseen by Ian Jarritt. Ian retired in May after a 14-year association with ManSat but will continue to be associated with the company in his new role as a Non-Executive Director.

Ian said: ‘We work closely with the Department of Education and Children to award these scholarships and it has been a great privilege to visit the Island’s high schools each year and talk to Year 12 students about the competition.

‘The quality of students who have won the scholarships over the years has been first-class and it is an endorsement of the fine work being undertaken within the Island’s five high schools.’

ManSat Chief Executive Chris Stott explained: ‘It’s a wonderful opportunity for Josie and Sam and I’m sure they will have a fantastic time in Houston and will learn much. Many of our previous scholarship winners have chosen to continue working within the space industry and the contacts they have established during their time at the Space School have given them a crucial advantage. Of everything else we do, this is the most rewarding. It makes all of the hard work worthwhile.’

ManSat also supports the annual Spirit of Innovation competition for Manx high schools, in cooperation with the Pete Conrad Foundation, and has sponsored Island high schools to participate in the UK Rocketry Challenge. In addition, the company awards an annual ‘ManSat Fellowship’ grant, for Manx students seeking to further their studies in space, and scholarships to programs run by the International Space University in Strasbourg.

Please visit www.unitedspaceschool.org for more information about the Space School and www.mansat.org for details of the company’s scholarships, and www.mansat.com for more details on ManSat itself.

Photo - left to right – ManSat Non-Executive Director Ian Jarritt, ManSat Chief Financial Officer Ian Sanders, Ballakermeen High School students Sam Lancaster and Josie McGarrigle, Physics Teacher Rebekah Davies, and Russell Miller, Head of Science at Ballakermeen.