Isle of Man students in NASA trip competition
High school students on the Isle of Man have been given the opportunity to win a trip to a NASA research centre.
A competition has been introduced by a Manx-based aerospace company to encourage teenagers to develop inventions on a space theme.
The winning team will present their project at NASA's Ames Research Center in California in April 2011.
ManSat, based in Onchan, will mentor teams from the island's five high schools to develop space inventions.
Manx minister of education, Eddie Teare MHK said: This project fits in well with my own view that we should encourage creative activity and also emphasize opportunities available in other areas, rather than the traditional avenues available to local students.
"To be successful as a nation we must be receptive to change and I am sure that this program will encourage more open minds."
Called the Spirit of Innovation Award, it is offered by ManSat's partner organisation, the not-for-profit Conrad Foundation, based in the United States.
Ian Jarritt, ManSat's Finance Director, said: "To be able to have Manx schools compete for the award is wonderful as it adds a whole new dimension to the space education programmes on the Island."