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NIGERIAN GIRL IN SPACE
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World Space Week Youth Inspiration Program and TerreStar Networks Send Exceptional Nigerian Student on a Trip to Weightlessness Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
– September 21, 2006 –
Stella Felix of Nigeria on Saturday becomes the first high school student from Africa to experience the exhilaration of zero gravity on a parabolic flight from the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
Spaceweek International Association (SIA) is partnering with TerreStar Networks and Zero Gravity Corporation to send Felix, age 17, on The ZERO-G Experience™ as the inaugural flight of the World Space Week Youth Inspiration Program to inspire students to learn and promote international understanding.
“We are proud to send Stella on a truly out-of-this world experience,” said Courtney Stadd, SIA Chairman. “Indeed, World Space Week demonstrates to young people globally that dreams can come true by excelling in school.” |
World Space Week will be celebrated in schools and communities in nearly 50 nations October 4-10.
Felix was selected for this honor recognizing her dedication to her education and interest in science. One of seven children from a poor Nigerian family, she walks three miles every day to attend school.
“I am thrilled Florida is playing a role in this endeavor by hosting Stella and the zero gravity flight from the Kennedy Space Center," said Governor Jeb Bush. "I hope Stella's academic achievement and exciting experience inspire students to pursue careers in math and science fields. This collaborative effort is critical as we prepare our next generation of engineers, rocket scientists and astronauts."
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“TerreStar strongly believes in World Space Week’s mission and is pleased to participate in this exciting event,” said Robert H. Brumley, CEO of TerreStar Networks Inc. “Building the global high-tech workforce of tomorrow begins today by exposing young people to the exciting opportunities in space-related technologies.” |
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