23 pupils experience week-long Goonhilly Summer School
August 17, 2018
Last week, we had 23 Lower Sixth pupils from various schools across Cornwall, but also from further away, on site.
The pupils were able to practice their teamwork and presentations skills in a hands-on project, which taught them in an interactive manner how a personal computer works. They were so engaged in the their projects that every free minute - even scheduled breaks - were used to fine tune another detail or to try a new approach to fixing a problem. The group also learned about historic technology in satellite communications, thanks to the efforts of the Goonhilly Heritage Society.
Parents and teachers were able to attend the six teams' final presentations, and were extremely impressed by the amount of knowledge and skill the pupils gained throughout the week. The week was rounded off by a sunny Friday afternoon, and the group was excited to have their group photo taken by a quadcopter. Many of the pupils are now returning home for the summer with a renewed or increased enthusiasm to pursue STEM studies and careers.
Here at Goonhilly, we are looking forward to welcoming another cohort of pupils to our Summer School next year!
In 2022, Holly Holmes, a then-Year-10 student from Cornwall, attended our Annual Summer School . Now in Year 12, Holly has kindly taken the time to update us on the impact that her time with us has had on her studies, confidence levels, and plans for the future. Thank you Holly for sharing your experiences in this brilliant blog post! We’re thrilled to hear that the experience meant so much to you!
From supporting new missions to winning awards and even appearing on kids' TV - enjoy a round up of our highlights from 2023!
Interview with Tanya Boardman and Roisin Clear for International Women's Day 2023.
60 years ago today, on 11th July 1962, Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, UK made world history.
The above image, and those below, were acquired from NOAA 18 (on 137.9125 MHz), and NOAA 19 (on 137.100 MHz) during daytime passes here at Goonhilly. In preparation for our annual Summer School programme , Goonhilly’s Deep Space Network Operators have been busy preparing a project that will enable students to receive images from NOAA weather satellites. During the practical demonstration, students will be able to discover what the weather is currently doing across the North Atlantic and Western Europe. By repeating the receiving process several times, as the satellites pass over, the students will be able to track the weather over time, and predict how the weather here in Cornwall will change. In addition to equipping students with the theoretical and practical skills to receive real-time satellite transmissions for themselves, the project will also highlight the diverse ways in which we rely on Low Earth Orbit satellites in our everyday lives. Other projects and lessons planned for the attendees of the week-long programme will help them to learn about the different methods, materials, and techniques that make Goonhilly’s world-leading satellite communications work a reality. Here at Goonhilly, we believe in the value of a hands-on approach to complement theoretical learning. By preparing this project, the Deep Space Network Operations Team hopes to not only train valuable skills but also promote the enjoyment that comes from gaining knowledge via self-discovery. The team looks forward to offering the Summer School students an insight into what training as an Operator entails, and what it means to play a critical role in the UK’s future in space.
In a world first our Deep Space Communications Antenna, GHY-6 , acquired telemetry, including images, of the martian surface.
In collaboration with BAE GES engineers were able to successfully capture the Direct-To-Earth signal 'tones' used by NASA/JPL to indicate the successful operation of the Mars 2020 spacecraft Perseverance, by our GHY-6 Deep Space Antenna.
“Westward Ho! Musing on Mathematics and Mechanics”
Visitors will be escorted at all times by a representative of GES and it is critical that you only access the areas on site that are relevant to the nature of your visit. Contractors working on site may not always be under direct supervision, so with this in mind you will be required to: Comply with your risk assessments and any additional safe working procedures. Report to your GES representative when you arrive and before you leave our site. Comply with all specific rules if working as part of a construction project. Work in a professional and considerate manner. Clear all generated waste and leave work areas in a safe condition.
As you play your part in helping stop the spread of Covid-19 by 'staying home and saving lives' allow us to share with you our passion for all things Space related. Every amazing journey starts with a single step, so who knows, maybe yours will start with a single click...
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