Nasa to launch Dubai student’s experiment into space

Dubai: A science experiment created by a Dubai high school student has been chosen to be shot into outer space aboard a Nasa rocket this September.

Gavin Vasandani, a grade 11 Emirates International School-Jumeirah student, was selected by Cubes in Space who sifted through 20,000 applications from around the world before choosing a total of 100 experiments to be elected spacebound.

In a statement on Monday by school owner Al Habtoor Group, educators said they were elated that student Vasandani’s work had been recognised by Cubes in Space, described as a “global competition for students 11-18 years of age to design and propose experiments to launch into space or a near space environment on a Nasa sounding rocket and zero-pressure scientific balloon.”

Vasandani was mentored by the school’s Johan Swartz, head of science and MYP and DP physics teacher who helped guide the experiment that uses “carbon nanotube coating” to boost the ability of spacecraft shells to deflect radiation and temperatures.

Vasandani’s work had been recognised by Cubes in Space, described as a “global competition for students to design and propose experiments to launch into space.

“It is incredible to see Gavin’s project being put to test by Nasa. His accomplishment is extraordinary, and we are very proud of him,” said Swartz in a statement.

“At Emirates International School, we nurture the ambitions of our students and encourage them to think outside the box. We aim to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly inter-related world. Gavin made the cut from thousands of applicants and this shows the ideal environment that our school provides.” he said.

Vasandani said he was motivated to pursue his experiment by the Emirates Mars Mission, the historic inaugural Arab mission to Mars and suggested that his experiment could perhaps yield useful knowledge that could assist the UAE space mission and others beyond.

Vasandani said that he is “thrilled that my experiment was selected by Cubes in Space. My science teacher has always encouraged me to believe in my dreams and this is what motivated me to apply to the programme.”

His experiment will be launched into space from Nasa’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico in September.