Reach For The Stars – Haileybury School Launches Actual Space Programme

Haileybury school, Hertfordshire, has launched a space programme.

Yes – you read that right – and if you think that’s something, then get ready for this: they’re aiming to become the first school in Europe to launch a satellite.

‘At Haileybury, we are committed to providing our pupils with extraordinary opportunities such as this space mission,’ explains Eugene du Toit, Master of Haileybury.

‘This project is an example of how our pupils work with our dedicated team of staff to achieve remarkable outcomes. Whenever possible, we want our pupils to enrich their learning through research that has real-world impact and connects them with experts in the field. We want our pupils’ learning to inspire them and support them in developing skills which will see them thriving in their future careers.’

The space mission, led by pupils at Haileybury, has been set up in an exciting partnership with British multinational aerospace company, BAE Systems.

‘In order for the UK to remain at the forefront of space innovation, we must start engaging with the generations that will shape the future of our industry as early as possible to build a pipeline of future talent,’ says Markos Trichas, Head of Secure Space at BAE Systems. ‘We’re proud to be supporting the next generation of space experts at Haileybury College helping to develop the right skills and encouraging them to shoot for the stars.’

The programme’s aim is to launch a mini satellite, known as CubeSat, into space. The pupils have chosen to install an optical camera inside, which will gather essential data from high above Earth on the impacts of global warming, including deforestation and wildfires. The intention is for this information to contribute to the worldwide efforts to protect the planet from climate change.

Many schools have tried to launch a satellite into orbit since the 1990s, but none have succeeded to date. If Haileybury becomes the first to achieve this, its pupils will be placed at the forefront of space education in Europe. It will also create a model that schools around the world can use to provide similar opportunities for their pupils.

There are more than 30 Haileybury pupils aged 12 to 18 involved in the project. It is not only enhancing their knowledge and application of subjects such as engineering and physics but more widely in project management. For example, pupils have established a management structure with committees focused on areas like finance, technical support, and communications to help ensure the programme’s success.

So far, Haileybury pupils have created a 3D model, developed plans for the main build, and presented it to industry experts including representatives from the UK Space Agency. They are now working with BAE to bring their vision to life and secure a rocket to launch their CubeSat.