Balloon launch key for African space education

South African non-profit organisation Future African Space Explorer’s STEM Academy (FASESA) recently launched the highest High Altitude Balloon (HAB) on the African continent. The launch aimed to further their mission of increasing space education in Africa. The launch took place from Sululta, Ethiopia last Wednesday. | Supplied

Published Jul 15, 2024

Durban — Reaching a maximum altitude of 98500ft (30000m) and experiencing temperatures as low as -61 ºC, the High Altitude Balloon launch (HAB) was the first of its kind on African soil.

In partnership with international aerospace company Boeing, South African non-profit organisation Future African Space Explorer’s STEM Academy (FASESA) recently launched the highest HAB on the African continent. The launch aimed to further their mission of increasing space education in Africa and involving African youth into the space industry.

The HAB was launched from Sululta, Ethiopia on July 10.

Project director of FASESA and St Henry’s Marist College physical science teacher, Shaneil Maraj, pumping the hot air balloon prior to its launch. Picture: Supplied

Project director of FASESA and St Henry’s Marist College physical science teacher, Shaneil Maraj said that events like these are vital in promoting and advancing space science.

“As many countries around the world are actively involved in various areas of the space industry in Africa, impacting the next generation of students will lead them to take up careers in the sector,” he said.

Maraj said that they believe that Africa has the potential to become the world leader in the industry and through this, greatly improve the socio-economic struggles that the continent faces.

Maraj added that the HAB launch formed part of the Pathways to Space project – which is run by FASESA and Boeing – and aims at training and inspiring students to become involved in the aerospace industry. This was done through lessons and hands-on activities.

He concluded by saying the HAB launch allowed for pupils to test their projects they had built in the Pathways to Space programme under the conditions of outer space.

High Altitude Balloon launched. Picture: Supplied

At the same time, FASESA and Boeing celebrated their first Pathways to Space Programme graduates, where 312 pupils from all over the continent graduated.

Founder and executive director at FASESA Sean Jacobs said the graduation ceremony not only celebrates their hard work during the programme but also marks the beginning of their journey as future leaders in the space industry or more broadly in science and technology.

“We are incredibly proud of the students’ accomplishments. Their dedication and enthusiasm for STEM and space exploration are truly inspiring,” Jacobs said.

Recent Pathways to Space Programme Graduates. The programme, organised by FASESA, aimed at celebrating African youth’s interest in space education and the space industry. Pictured above are the first cohorts/graduates of the programme. The graduation was also celebrated in Ethiopia on Wednesday, 10 July 2024. Picture: Supplied

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