LUCKY students from Robert Blake Science College in Bridgwater have just returned from a once in a lifetime trip to the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama.

All 16 students were enrolled on the Advanced Space Camp programme at the Space & Rocket Centre and subsequently were immersed in science, technology, engineering and maths on the five night programme.

They experienced hands-on training, as well as learning about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts, engineers and technologists must face.

The students faced many challenges including Area 51 where they were confronted with both mental and physical trials.

Another big challenge was to scale a 50 foot climbing wall and to climb the 35 foot pamper pole, only to take a leap of faith once they reached the top.

The space cadets experienced what it would feel like to go into a tumble spin in the orbiter on the Multi-Axis Trainer and what it would feel like to walk on the moon in the 1/6th gravity chair.

Students built and launched rockets, trained to fly in flight simulators, watched life changing stories of Space in the iMax and 3D theatres and constructed ablative shielding.

Alongside this they undertook four hours of mission training where they were able to try out different roles on either a pilot or mission track.

Roles included being a commander or pilot of the orbiter, one of many important roles within mission control, a scientist in the International Space Station or a mission specialist.

This was followed by a further shorter missions and finally a three hour extended duration mission which gave the students the experience to prepare them to become the next generation of space leaders and explorers.

Head teacher Rob Gammon said: “The experience the students gain from a trip like this is immeasurable and the staff involved along with the students and their families would like to thank the local community for their continued support in helping them raise funds towards this amazing adventure.