European Space Camp in the land of the midnight sun (Forwarded)

ESA News
http://www.esa.int

22 March 2006

European Space Camp in the land of the midnight sun

If you are interested in space and science, aged between 17 and 20 and
would enjoy the experience of launching your own rocket, then apply to
take part in this summer's European Space Camp, to be held in northern
Norway at the Andøya Rocket Range.

Students from all over the world interested in physics, space and
electronics can apply to take part in the summer camp which takes place
from 28 July to 6 August. The course and accommodation are provided but
students have to pay for, and make, their own travel arrangements.

The 25 lucky students selected will spend a week building their own rocket
and attending lectures in subjects related to rocket science. The summer
space camp is organised by the Norwegian Association of Young Scientists
and the National Centre for Space Related Education in cooperation with
ESA and the Andøya Rocket Range.

During the European Space Camp, participants will work in small groups and
be responsible for their own part of the rocket campaign. This will
consist of electronics and payload, rocket system design and trajectory
calculations, instrument development and telemetry. Guided by
professionals, the students will be able to use the advanced equipment at
the rocket range.

Well-known researchers and engineers will also give lectures on topics
such as rocket aerodynamics and ballistics, the plasma universe, GPS
systems, how the Earth is influenced by space and the Grand Unified
Theory. During the week ESA staff will also provide information on ESA
programmes open to students.

At the end of a week of lectures and group work comes the moment all the
students have been waiting for: the launch campaign, the nerve-wracking
moment when students will see whether their hard work has paid off. Will
the rocket reach its projected altitude of 8 kilometres and will the
instruments on board start to transmit data? It all depends on the work
done during the space camp.

The course also has its more down-to-earth moments when students will be
able to enjoy the company of their fellow participants in the midnight
sun, go to the beach, take part in a whale safari and eat waffles.

Applications to take part in this year's space camp must be received by 1
May so check out www.spacecamp.no for more information, an application
form, and to see the pictures, videos and diary of last year's camp.

The sky is not the limit -- it is where the fun begins!

More information

* Space Camp
http://www.spacecamp.no/
* Andøya Rocket Range
http://www.rocketrange.no
* NAROM
http://www.narom.no

[NOTE: Images supporting this release are available at
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM9S5OVGJE_index_1.html ]