SCHOOL pupils from across the North East will get a unique opportunity to find out about a range of exciting careers as part of a five day Space Camp being held next week.

Year six and year 12 students from across Newcastle, Northumberland, Sunderland, Gateshead, Durham and North Tyneside will be taking part in the five day event, which runs from 24 -28 October.

And it will give them the opportunity to get involved in workshops, carry out experiments and projects and be inspired by speakers from the National Space Academy, Lockheed Martin and the Ministry of Defence.

On the opening day pupils will also be able to listen to a speech by Suzie Imber, planetary scientist and winner of the Rosalind Franklin Award in 2021, and of the 2017 BBC Two television programme Astronauts, Do You Have What It Takes?

The event has been organised by Athena, the UK’s national team in space, formed by CGI, Inmarsat, Lockheed Martin UK and Serco and will take place at The Catalyst, at Science Square in Newcastle.

In partnership with the National Space Academy, 60 students will participate in the camp, developed to provide an immersive experience in the world of space and to give the young people deeper understanding of what a career in STEM looks like from a technical and academic point of view, showcasing the different pathways into this field.

RTC North, Northumbria University and Invest North East have also been involved in the process of working with local schools to engage them with the scheme.

Nik Smith, Regional Director of UK & Europe, Lockheed Martin Space, said he was excited to have planned the next space camp in Newcastle.

“We are committed to providing young people an insight into the world of STEM and team up with some amazing leaders to showcase how the UK is one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world,” he said.

Janine Marshall, Head of Education and Skills, NE STEM Hub added “It is really important that as a region we show our young people the vast range of exciting current and future opportunities available in this sector.”

“This programme will do just that, bringing STEM to life whilst opening their eyes to the world of opportunities that exist for them,” she said.