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A Boost into Space for Air Cadets
2505 (Bishop Auckland) Sqn RAF AC thanks the Viscount Ridley Cadet Forces' Trust.
2505 (Bishop Auckland) Sqn RAF AC have been focusing on the theme of ‘space’ for almost a year now, with a range of blue and bronze space badges successfully studied by over 40 cadets. The majority have also completed a range of space related activities including exploring virtually the International Space station, visiting the UK National Space Centre in Leicester, and completing first aid awards. External speakers have presented to the squadron on a range of subjects such as using a sextant, the solar system, global positioning etc., and we still have stargazing and a presentation on the Apollo missions to follow in November 23.
In October 2023 the culmination of all this studying saw nine cadets and staff taking part in an amazing expedition to Florida, USA.
Highlights included seeing three rocket launches from Kennedy Space Centre, a full-day astronaut training experience, touring NASA’s Space Centre and having breakfast with a space shuttle pilot who flew missions in space, how many cadets can say they have done that!
In addition cadets explored aircraft and helicopters, hiked with a guide in a sub-tropical park and visited EPCOT (experimental prototype community of tomorrow).The ACs also made a Teams presentation back to the whole squadron in the UK from NASA’s rocket garden to share the experience and knowledge.
Flt Lt Ian Pepper, Officer Commanding 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Sqn, said, "The expedition supports the ethos of the Corps and the application of STEM to space. None of the above would have been possible without the very kind support of the Viscount Ridley’s Cadet Forces’ Trust".
