Kennedy Space Center’s Exploration and Astronaut Training activities will host Piscataway students for the first time.

The idea for this trip was proposed by a teacher a part of the Engineering Academy.

“So how did this all come about? I went to visit NASA in Florida many years ago with my family. It was an awesome trip! I went back for a 2nd visit last summer [2019] and it was amazing! During October 2019, I came up with this great idea, “Propose a field trip to NASA for my Engineering Academy students since the program requires the completion of ten experience

hours for every year in the program,”  trip advisor Paul Mazur explains.

Over two days, students will have the opportunities to learn about the history, technology, and the importance of NASA’s space program.

“Day one includes ‘Space Shuttle Atlantis: Space Shuttle Launch’ where students experience the sights, sounds and sensations of actually launching into space aboard the space shuttle simulator. Students will also embark on the ‘Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour’ which is a narrated tour accessing restricted areas of NASA’s operational facilities (Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Complex 39),” Mazur describes.

During day two, students will spend a full day having the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) where they will have the chance to experience micro-gravity weightlessness.

“It is the only place on Earth to train on immersive simulation technology to prepare for the next mission to Mars and perform docking in an actual command module simulator,” Mazur states.

Participation in this NASA trip is one of a kind that students will be able to grow from.

“My hope is that this experience will help to inspire students to be lifetime learners to create new things. I believe the insight gained from this trip will help students figure out their future careers. It may help them discover their passions and interests,” Mazur adds.

On the flyer mentioning the NASA trip that was posted around school Mazur included the words “Your mission starts here.” 

“When Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the moon, he said, ‘One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ The phrase, ‘Your mission starts here,’ represents the first step in each of the student’s careers, and that they should pursue progress, not perfection in all they do,” Mazur elaborates.

Mazur wants students to research information about the space program to better develop their appreciation and understanding for the trip, but ultimately remains proud that he is even able to bring this idea to life.

 “I cannot believe I was able to coordinate the entire process with the help of my Administrative team and the Travel Agency, to collect over $44,000 in January [2020] to procure all of the activities and for this amazing trip to happen for our students,” Mazur mentions.

This trip is for any and every student who has an interest in engineering or in space travel.