Cochrane, Alta., teen set for space simulation to Mars in Texas international space school

Thomas Toombes will join teens from 20 countries in Houston for two-week space prgram where students work with experts to design simulated mission to Mars.

A Grade 11 student from Cochrane, west of Calgary, is preparing for a trip to Texas after being selected as Western Canada’s delegate to an international space school program this summer.

Thomas Toombes will join teenagers from more than 20 countries in Houston for the two-week program, where participants work with industry experts and design a simulated manned mission to Mars.

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Toombes said his interest in space and aviation began at a young age.

“I’ve always been passionate about space as a kid, you know, watching documentaries, seeing the Apollo, Neil Armstrong landing on the moon,” Toombs said.

“Especially being very passionate into aviation, as I actually have my student pilot permit, which is really exciting.”

He has already gained hands-on experience in the field through NASA’s citizen science program, helping categorize Martian cloud images collected by spacecraft.

“I actually help NASA categorize Martian clouds on Mars, and we’re hoping to build a big centralized database so we can better understand Mars’ weather,” Toombes said.

“Even being able to be a small part of that is really incredible for me and really empowering.”

Inspiring students

That experience could prove to be a strong foundation when he arrives in Houston. During the program, students are tasked with working out the details of a simulated future mission to Mars, drawing on scientific knowledge and collaboration to develop their plans.

The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary is responsible for selecting the Western Canadian delegate each year.

Interim executive director Lauren Mailliet said the organization has partnered with the program for decades as part of its efforts to inspire careers in aviation and aerospace.

“We’re really trying hard to be part of the pipeline that sends kids into careers in aviation and careers in aerospace,” Mailliet said. “The actual student who’s chosen, it’s a life changing experience for them.”

Applicants must submit an essay, transcripts, a letter of recommendation and complete a panel interview.

“These are top performers. They are people who are movers and shakers, and they’re really getting to go somewhere in their lives,” Mailliet said. “We’ve had students where it changes their entire university path.”

Toombes said he was overwhelmed with excitement when he learned he had been selected.

“I was at school that day, and when I saw the email and it said, you know, we’re very proud to offer you this position, I was so happy,” he said. “I couldn’t stop smiling actually for hours.”

The FISE International Space School is based at Clear Lake University in Houston and works in partnership with area’s aerospace industry, including NASA, to give students exposure to careers in the aerospace industry.

More information about the program and how to apply can be found on the Hangar Flight Museum’s website.