Sponsorship & Scholarship
Isabella McCulloch
June 2024
The Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith Fund Grant recipient, Isabella McCulloch, had the opportunity to attend a dynamic two-month Space Studies Program in Houston, Texas at Rice University and NASA JSC, in June 2024. Each week brought new experiences, and she chose a day to share how she was living out her childhood dreams.
A day with Isabella McCulloch at the Space Studies Program in Houston, Texas - 18 July 2024
6:30 AM
I wake up early, pack my bag, dress in business casual, and have a quick breakfast before heading off for a long bus journey to the Johnson Space Centre. Breakfast is in the college cafeteria, where my friends and I stick to our usual routine: scrambled eggs, kimchi, and our comfort food - tater tots.
7:35 AM
We board several buses and set off for NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.
8:40 AM
Upon arrival, we begin our much-anticipated tour. After weeks of working with NASA and other space industry experts - covering everything from rocket construction to robotics, and from orbital mechanics to space law - it’s thrilling to see where all the groundbreaking space missions are developed. Our tour starts at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), one of the world’s largest indoor pools used for mission planning, procedure development, hardware verification, astronaut training, and refining operations for spacewalks. Although we missed seeing live astronaut training due to illness, we did view a full-scale International Space Station in pristine, chlorinated water.
9:45 AM
Next, we head to the JSC Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where we see models and replicas of space capsules currently in orbit or destined for space. It’s fascinating to watch NASA employees working on these space-ready capsules, coding and soldering in real-time for future missions.
10:40 AM
Our next stop is Mission Control. Having seen the original Apollo Mission Control on a previous day, it’s incredible to see the current, operational Mission Control. One of the highlights is seeing astronauts floating and working aboard the ISS live on two massive screens, interacting with the Mission Control staff. The astronauts seem so close yet so distant.
11:45 AM
Rocket Park brings a wave of emotion. Here, the Saturn V rocket, which landed humankind on the Moon, is housed in a vast display area. This 1960s technology, so powerful and advanced for its time, inspired me and countless others decades later to aim for the stars. Walking around the Saturn V, I reflect on how its achievements paved the way for future explorers like me
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunchtime! We’re taken to the University of Houston Clear Lake, where we’re treated to a delightful lunch and hear from more incredible professionals working in the space sector.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
To end the day, NASA and ISU staff surprised us with a trip to Space Centre Houston. Exploring this world-renowned science museum reignites my passion and reminds me of the importance of aiming high. It’s surreal to see history preserved and inspiring children of all ages, making me feel like a kid again.
6:00 PM - Late
After such an extraordinary day, my friends and I, despite our exhaustion, head out for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. We enjoy some of the best food of the trip as a fitting end to an amazing day.
This programme is not for the faint-hearted, but seeing behind the scenes at NASA and learning alongside industry experts made every bit of the lack of sleep worthwhile.
