ROCKET ships reaching out into space have occupied a special place in the hearts of generations of earth-bound mortals, but for science students at Callington Community College those dreams could become a reality.
Next Easter two students will be flying out to the USA to join astronauts and scientists from NASA — the American space agency. They will be selected from among 20 year 12 students who have signed up to see if they have the 'right stuff' to join NASA.
Each student will undergo a rigorous testing procedure with a different aspect of their mental and physical strengths tested each week for six weeks.
They will also have to produce an outline of an experiment they would like to see carried out in the micro-gravity of space.
To help the students, space scientist Kevin Mellet, a senior member of the space shuttle team who is now working on the international space station, is coming to Callington next Tuesday to give a talk and answer questions.
The talk, entitled Alligators and Rocket Ships, explains what happens to the space shuttle from take-off to landing and on to the next launch.
The shuttle has made 101 trips to date, but with the space station opening next month that is set to escalate.
Tickets cost £2.50 and £1.50 for children. The event takes place at the college starting at 7pm on Tuesday November 14. Proceeds will go towards the students' costs.