A GROUP of Guyanese science students witnessed the launch of an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) into space on an Ariane 5 ES rocket from Europe’s Spaceport, Centre Spatial Guyanais in Kourou, French Guiana.

Historically, what they witnessed was the last of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ATV project, with the launch of ATV- 5 on Tuesday July 29 en route to the International Space Station.

Named after the Belgian scientist who formulated the Big Bang Theory, ATV Georges Lemaître is the fifth ATV built and launched by ESA as part of Europe’s contribution to cover the operational costs for using the International Space Station (ISS). The rocket lifted off precisely at 23:47 GMT on July 29 (01:47 CEST July 30, 20:47 local time July 29), and carried several spare parts for the ISS, along with ration and oxygen for the crew on board the ISS.

The trip to French Guiana was planned and organised by the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, and facilitated by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. Top performing students of the Ministry of Education’s National Science and Technology Fair 2014 across the respective regions were selected to be part of this momentous event.

Team leader and trip coordinator, Senior Air Traffic Control Officer (Guyana Civil Aviation Authority), Courtney Frank said that Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, began a series of initiatives designed to engage Guyanese students in various scientific experiences to further stimulate their interests in the subject.

“Our Ministry covers quite a lot of technological ground in Guyana, particularly, in the areas of engineering, meteorology and aviation. Being able to expose some of our science students to the experience of witnessing the launch of a rocket into space, is but the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship we expect to have with the Ministry of Education, as we continue to collaborate on other projects,” Mr. Frank said.

Prior to the trip, Benn said that the trip was engineered to expand students’ horizons in the use of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “It makes them be more involved.”

Students who attended

The students were thrilled by the experience of seeing a rocket launched into space, before their very eyes.
Those who were selected for the trip to the European Spaceport, were: Vivian Henry (Region 1 – Santa Rosa Secondary); Devindra Persaud (Region 2 – Abrams Zuil Secondary); Laksman Ramdat (Region 3 – Zeeburg Secondary); Kenya Maynard (Region 4 – President’s College); Jeremy Baran (Region 6 – Berbice High School), Shonetta Tyrell (Region 7 – Three Miles Secondary); Travis Warner (Region 8 – Mahdia Secondary); Leana Lindie (Region 9 – St Ignatius Secondary); Jahni Williamson (Region 10 – Mackenzie High School); Nicolas Elliot (Georgetown – Queens College); and Dwight Ferguson (Georgetown – St. Joseph High).

Students were accompanied by Assistant Chief Education Officer, (Secondary), Leslyn Charles, along with two teachers, Colin Moses (St Stanislaus) and Kamini Ramrattan (Richard Ishmael Secondary).

Students left awestruck

“This is just amazing. I am lost for words. I will always remember this moment,” Vivian Henry lamented.

“This was a thrilling experience for me. Witnessing this live is momentous. I am really happy to be a part of this experience,” Laksman Ramdat said. I wanted to pursue a career in computer science but now I want to become an electrical engineer. Moreover I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Ministry of Education and GCAA for this opportunity.”

As an aspiring Energy Systems Engineer, Nicolas Elliot said the experience was a rewarding one. “It was without a shadow of doubt worth it, because of being heavily inclined to science; it was truly informative to see all the theoretical physics and geography intricately combined in order to make the launch a success. I would be most thrilled if these same ventures can be pioneered in my home country, Guyana since I fervently believe that with sufficient interventions, we should be able to perform these activities because we have prime locations and adequate resources.”

Leana Lindie was reeling from the experience. “I am shocked. I never dreamt I would have witnessed this. I am very happy to be here to share this experience with other students from Guyana.”

Those are just some of the comments made by students immediately after they witnessed the launch of ATV – 5 Georges Lemaître, as it was launched into space. (Joint release from Ministries of Public Works and Education)
ATV Georges Lemaître is due to dock with the Station on August 12, 2014, and will remain attached for up to six months before leaving with waste material for destruction along with the spaceship during atmospheric re-entry.