Overnewton Anglican Community College students were given a glimpse into the deep abyss of space travel – without having to even leave their school hall.
Close to 600 students from the school’s Taylors Lakes campus enjoyed a visit from Dianne McGrath, who is on the shortlist to become one of the first people to land on Mars in about a decade.
McGrath was one of more than 200,000 people around the world to apply for a spot in the Mars One program, a Netherlands-based not-for-profit project that aims to create a permanent settlement on the red planet.
McGrath and six other Australians progressed to round three earlier this year. They will face team challenges and training in the hopes of landing one of 24 training spots.
Organisers of the independent project are hoping to raise $6 billion through crowdfunding and the sale of commercial rights.
McGrath, 45, told the students about the challenges the astronauts would face on the red planet and the factors they would contend with before they even leave Earth.
Middle school teacher Adam Cusworth said Ms McGrath provided an unprecedented insight into the mission.
“[She] demonstrates that in life, the possibilities are endless,” Mr Cusworth said.
Priscilla Moca
