{"id":23381,"date":"2021-01-08T16:51:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-08T21:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=23381"},"modified":"2021-01-08T16:51:45","modified_gmt":"2021-01-08T21:51:45","slug":"virgin-orbit-to-launch-stem-education-payloads-for-uks-junior-astronaut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hobbyspace.com\/Blog\/?p=23381","title":{"rendered":"Virgin Orbit to Launch Stem Education Payloads for UK\u2019s Junior Astronaut program"},"content":{"rendered":"

An announcement from Virgin Orbit<\/a> and UK\u2019s Junior Astronaut<\/a> program:<\/p>\n

Virgin Orbit to Launch Stem Education Payloads for UK\u2019s Junior Astronaut<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Junior Astronaut\u2019s Nanonaut Satellite Can be Tracked from Space Via Smartphone App, <\/em>
\nHelping to Inspire a New Generation of Space Enthusiasts<\/em><\/p>\n

Long Beach, California \u2014 January 8, 2021<\/strong> \u2014 Virgin Orbit, the California-based responsive space launch company, announced today that it has signed a launch services agreement with Junior Astronaut, a UK-based company that provides Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs for young space enthusiasts. Flying as a rideshare onboard several upcoming missions \u2014 including missions from Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay, UK \u2014 Junior Astronaut\u2019s Nanonaut payload<\/a> will remain affixed to LauncherOne\u2019s upper stage.<\/p>\n

\"\"
LauncherOne rocket released from carrier aircraft. Credits: Virgin Orbit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Each Nanonaut payload can be tracked and monitored via telemetry from Earth using Junior Astronaut\u2019s smartphone app. The app also offers a number of STEM-based activities such as algebra tutorials and other educational teasers, supporting Junior Astronaut\u2019s broader purpose of inspiring young students to become more engaged and excited about space.<\/p>\n

Founded in 2020, Junior Astronaut exists to encourage young people toward careers in STEM and space science through participation. In addition to the Nanonaut program, Junior Astronaut<\/a> will soon offer space camps and a flight experiments package<\/a> to take young people\u2019s interest to the next stage.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Junior Astronaut to begin a flight experiments<\/a> program. Credits: Junior Astronaut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Virgin Orbit launches for Junior Astronaut will commence no earlier than mid-2021.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowledge is the most powerful tool for shaping a better future for everyone. The Junior Astronaut program is designed to inspire young people to push the limits of the unknown, to discover and innovate. The way to do this is education. Space is such an inspirational way to get people interested. We want space to be accessible to everyone, and for the next generation to push boundaries and move all our societies forward. Space is how they will do this,\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

said Miranda Ashcroft, Junior Astronaut co-founder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith every LauncherOne mission, we want to chip away at the barriers preventing equitable access to space, so this partnership with Junior Astronaut is particularly meaningful to our team,\u201d said Stephen Eisele, Virgin Orbit\u2019s vice president of business development. \u201cThese Nanonauts are all about getting students to recognize that they too can have a role in shaping the future of space, and we\u2019re really excited to help bring them into the fold. These are the kinds of missions that will capture the hearts and minds of tomorrow\u2019s space innovators.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Virgin Orbit is in the midst of final preparations for Launch Demo 2, its second orbital test flight with the LauncherOne system, currently expected to occur in mid-January.<\/p>\n

About Virgin Orbit<\/strong>: Virgin Orbit builds and operates the most flexible and responsive satellite launcher ever invented: LauncherOne, a dedicated launch service for commercial and government-built small satellites. LauncherOne rockets are designed and manufactured in Long Beach, California, and will be air-launched from our modified 747-400 carrier aircraft \u2013 allowing us to operate from locations all over the world in order to best serve each customer\u2019s needs. Virgin Orbit\u2019s systems are currently in an advanced stage of testing, with initial orbital launches expected soon. To learn more or to apply to join Virgin Orbit\u2019s talented and growing team, visit\u00a0virginorbit.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About Junior Astronaut<\/strong>: Junior Astronaut<\/a> is a worldwide charitable organization that wants to awaken young people\u2019s curiosity and guide them towards choosing a STEM career. Junior Astronaut\u2019s vision is to bring forth a new generation of STEM professionals that will have the knowledge, creativity, drive, and empathy to address global challenges through innovation. Our mission is to create thrilling participative programs that nurture real life skills and inspire a sense of wonder, curiosity, and the desire to explore. Our initiatives include the Nanonaut program, space camps, in-flight experiments, zero gravity experiences, and \u2013 in the future \u2013 a full sub-orbital experience. In the long term, we aim for youths who start our program to one day build STEM careers at NASA, ESA, or other world-renowned space companies like Virgin Orbit.<\/p>\n

===<\/em> Amazon Ad <\/em><\/strong>===<\/em><\/p>\n

Xtronaut:
\nThe Game of Solar System Exploration<\/a>\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n