Highs-school learners from local schools in the Overstrand had the opportunity to meet an international astronaut last week.
The South African National Space Agency (Sansa) in Hermanus, invited girl learners from Qhayiya High school, Bosko Christian Academy, Waldorf High School and Hermanus High School to spend the afternoon with Dr Sian Proctor, the first female commercial spaceship pilot on the all-civilian Inspiration4 orbital spaceflight in 2021.
The group of girls were given an inspiring lecture by the famous astronaut on her journey into space and how space is becoming more accessible for people from around the world. After delivering the talk on her space journey and how she became the first African-American female commercial astronaut to pilot a spaceship, learners had an opportunity to ask her questions and got the chance to win many prizes which included her artistic pen as she is also an artist and poet.
Dr Proctor and Thandile Vuntu, Sansa Science Engagement Manager in Hermanus then helped the learners build and launch their own paper rockets to everyone’s delight.
“STEM (science, technology engineering and maths) has previously been seen as something only men can do, especially in the space sector,” Vuntu said. “It takes that one girl to be inspired and in return, she will inspire millions across the world. Role-models such as Dr Sian Proctor have inspired millions of girls to believe in themselves. STEM is Inclusive and has no gender limits.”
Proctor also gave a public lecture to a packed Sansa Space Weather Auditorium and many locals had the chance to take photos with her. The recording of this lecture is available on the South African National Space Agency Youtube Channel.
Catch the next Sansa Space Talk on Wednesday 14 August at 12:00, at the Sansa Space Weather Auditorium or live on the Sansa Youtube Channel. For more information visit www.sansa.org.za.
