For almost 12 months, cadets at 2505 (Bishop Auckland) squadron Royal Air Force Cadets (RAFAC) have been studying the exploration of space.
Earlier this week, nine cadets and staff returned to the UK from an amazing ‘out of this world’ ten-day expedition to Florida, USA.
Highlights of the visit included witnessing three rocket launches from Kennedy Space Centre, a full-day astronaut training experience, touring NASA’s Space Centre and visiting the Atlantis Space Shuttle.
Cadets also presented via Teams to the whole squadron back in the UK, sharing their experiences and views of NASA’s rocket garden.
The whole team also enjoyed the rare experience of sharing breakfast with a space shuttle pilot, Colonel Kenneth Cameron who flew missions in space.
In addition, cadets explored aircraft and helicopters from Orange County Sheriff’s Office, hiked with a guide in a sub-tropical park and visited EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow).
The expedition supports the RAFAC motto of ‘venture, adventure’ and explored the practical application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Cdt Sgt Issac Clerk (16) said: “What a fantastic experience. I would love one day to travel in space.”
Flt Lt Ian Pepper added that over the last 12 months the whole squadron has studied space, including completion of the blue and bronze space awards, visiting the UK Space Centre in Leicester, exploring the International Space Station using our VR flight SIM and heard from many outside speakers about the solar system, space travel, global positioning satellites and so on.
“This amazing expedition to Florida is the culmination for a few lucky cadets,” he said.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
