Age 16-18
New City College students are preparing to launch a sophisticated high-altitude atmospheric probe 30kms into the stratosphere, marking a special milestone for STEM education.
Dubbed ‘Mittendo Gerardum in Spatium’, which is Latin for ‘Launching Gerry into Space’ – a nod to the college’s Group Principal and CEO Gerry McDonald – the mission is the brainchild of teachers and students from NCC’s Tower Hamlets and Redbridge campuses.
Working under the banners of NCCSA (New City College Space Agency) and the RedTech Space Centre, the students, who are either studying Science at Tower Hamlets or Computing at Redbridge, have formed dedicated mission teams and are leading every stage of the mission, from payload integration and flight planning, to the collection and post-flight analysis of recorded telemetry data.
The probe is expected to ascend over 30 kilometres above Earth – almost to the edge of space – collecting environmental and engineering data while broadcasting a proud, pre-recorded message announcing New City College’s Outstanding Ofsted rating.
This hands-on opportunity provides students with direct experience in aerospace engineering, environmental science, and data analysis.
Iqbal Hussain, NCC’s Group Curriculum Director for Science and Head of the NCCSA, said: “This is about elevating ambition through real-world science and engineering. Our learners are working on payload systems and launch protocols – not just reading about them.”
And teacher Russell Hasnat, Senior Curriculum Manager for IT at NCC Redbridge and Head of the RedTech Space Centre (Mission Control), added: “This mission brings together further education and cutting-edge science – from satellite telemetry to AI. We’re preparing students for careers in the UK’s rapidly growing space and geospatial sectors.
“It is more than a technical feat – it’s a statement of intent. Space technology should not be confined to government laboratories or private industry, it belongs in education too and our students are proving that.”
The launch, scheduled for June 20, but subject to weather, network stability and Civil Aviation Authority approval, will take place from a Midlands-based site and will be broadcast live from the RedTech Space Centre – Mission Control at the Redbridge Campus.
The event promises to showcase not just the technical achievement, but also the creativity and ambition that is driving further education forward.
The probe will carry scientific instruments to capture and transmit data on altitude, speed, temperature, air pressure, humidity, and GPS tracking – as well as monitor battery performance to ensure a successful round trip.
Andrey Kuralov, 18, an IT student at Redbridge Campus, said the experience has been eye-opening. He said: “Getting involved and working on telemetry coding, live GPS tracking, and mission software makes space feel real and has shown me how far my IT skills can go.”
Student Khairah Begum, 18, studying Applied Science at Tower Hamlets Campus, said: “Applying science to a real-life mission has changed how I see learning. It’s not just about the theory anymore – it’s live physics, atmospheric pressure, radiation sensors and real scientific data that matters.”
Principal Janet Smith praised the cross-campus collaboration, saying: “This is an inspiring example of how further education can lead from the front in STEM innovation. The Space Project brings Science and IT students together in a real-world, high-impact collaboration that goes far beyond the classroom.
“I’m proud of our learners and staff who are pushing boundaries – not just in the sky, but in what’s possible through vocational and technical education. It’s a powerful reminder of the high standards and ambition at the heart of New City College. I wish the team every success as they prepare to launch. The sky isn’t the limit – it’s just the beginning.”
Watch the launch live
The launch will be streamed online from Mission Control at the RedTech Space Centre. The live broadcast on June 20, weather and CAA approval permitting, will feature:
- GPS satellite tracking of the probe in flight
- Aerial drone footage of the launch and recovery
- Visualisations of in-flight sensor data and analysis after recovery
To register your interest in viewing the event and/or visiting the Mission Control Centre during the launch, please contact: Russell Hasnat (Senior Curriculum Manager) on Russell.Hasnat@ncclondon.ac.uk
If you’d like to be involved in exciting projects such as the NCC Space Agency, don’t delay – get your application in to us today!
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