UK’s RM Technology and SaxaVord Spaceport partner with ViewSonic to launch space STEAM programme, Starflight Academy
Virtual Educator-led initiative will be rolled out across the UK, led by Astronaut Teacher Mike Mongo
Partnership will launch the next generation Space Education programme with ViewSonic’s new UNIVERSE metaverse platform
RM Technology, the leading Edtech solutions and strategies provider, SaxaVord Spaceport, the UK’s first licensed vertical launch facility to launch small satellites into Space, and ViewSonic, the leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics, and communications solutions, have today announced a groundbreaking partnership to cultivate the next generation of talent for the space industry.
This collaboration will kick start the innovative Starflight Academy 2.0 this summer, building on the success of 2023’s hugely successful launch at Goodwood FOS.
Mike Mongo, Astronaut Teacher and UK Space Advocate
The initiative, aimed at addressing resource challenges in schools, will provide interactive and inspiring STEAM resources centred around space education. The four-week programme, Starflight Academy curated by renowned Astronaut teacher Mike Mongo, offers a unique opportunity for children to delve into the world of satellites, astronautics, AI, and space exploration.
Mike Mongo, astronaut teacher, commercial crew astronaut, the author of best-selling children’s book ‘The Astronaut Instruction Manual,’ and founder of Mike Mongo’s Astronaut Job Camp at SaxaVord Spaceport, brings a wealth of experience to this initiative. His approach to space education merges practical astronaut skills with STEAM learning, aiming to spark a lifelong interest in space science and exploration among students. “The UK is presently home to one of the most successful space industries in the world. Giving UK students permission to see themselves in space careers is an absolute honour. I don’t know that I have ever been more excited as I am working together with RM Education, SaxaVord Spaceport, and ViewSonic in support of preparing today’s UK students for tomorrow’s STEAM jobs in space, AI, and high-tech,” said Mike Mongo, Astronaut Teacher.
Tomorrow’s Jobs are in Space (and STEAM)
The partners believe in putting young minds at the centre of the UK’s scientific future, fostering a passion for space and a curiosity that will contribute significantly to scientific advancements. STEAM, which integrates arts into STEM, emphasises experimentation and creativity, encouraging children to engage with space science in diverse and innovative ways. Space is already a vital part of the UK’s economy, contributing to over £16.4 billion per year and employing over 45,000 people. Creating opportunities for young learners through Starflight Academy will equip students to join this energetic workforce. The initiative is designed specifically for children, giving them the best possible experience and opportunity to realise their full potential.
RM Education: Preparing Today’s Students for Future Careers
“RM has been developing the programme alongside SaxaVord and ViewSonic since the successful launch at Future Lab last year. The virtual programme, RM Starflight Academy, aims to create new ambitions for young people, giving access to all pupils, no matter where they live or what tools they have available,” said Jason Tomlinson, MD of RM Technology.
“The UK is leading the way in nurturing talent from a young age, helping to secure its position at the centre of international science innovation by 2030. With our partner ViewSonic, we’re utilising technology to foster a STEAM initiative that is accessible and fair, bringing much-needed resources to schools, whilst supporting the next generation to access tomorrow’s jobs in the Space and aerospace sector.”
Saxavord Spaceport, UK’s First Vertical Launch Facility
Debbie Strang, SaxaVord Spaceport COO, said: “This exciting and developing partnership dovetails perfectly with our strategic business objective of inspiring interest in space and STEM subjects among children and young people, which we have delivered since we created SaxaVord. The initiative marks the start of a process of taking this work to the next level and we are delighted to be working with RM Technology and ViewSonic to reach as many learners as we can.”
ViewSonic Welcomes in a New UNIVERSE
Ricky Kumar, Country Manager UKI at ViewSonic added: “We are excited to continue our journey with RM and SaxaVord after the successful Future Lab event at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Learning is a journey into a world of limitless possibilities, and at ViewSonic, we are committed to supporting all our partners in making this journey as enriching as possible and making learning engaging and deeply relevant to meet the diverse needs of learners and educators.”
About RM Technology
RM Technology has shaped future generations for fifty years by implementing innovative technology solutions in schools and colleges. Founded in 1973, we’re a trusted Edtech partner, transforming teaching environments to be more productive, resilient, and sustainable.
Latest RM Developments
RM supports 9.3 million children to improve their learning outcomes across UK schools. RM Broadband supports 3,000 schools, and RM SafetyNet protects 1.5 million staff and students across the UK. Education Scotland and RM Technology have renewed their partnership to continue delivering Scotland’s national digital learning platform, Glow, for 350,000 users.
About SaxaVord Spaceport
SaxaVord Spaceport (SaxaVord) is the UK’s first vertical satellite launch facility and ground station located at Lamba Ness in Unst, Shetland. Given Unst is the UK’s highest point of latitude, SaxaVord offers customers a geographic competitive advantage enabling unrivalled payloads per satellite, launch site operations, a network of ground stations, as well as in-orbit data collection and analysis. SaxaVord has received endorsement from the UK Space Agency’s (UKSA) Sceptre Report and formed industry-leading partnerships. It has also been chosen to host the UKSA’s UK Pathfinder launch, which will be delivered by Lockheed Martin and ABL Systems. Integral to the UK’s space economy ambitions, SaxaVord is building a highly skilled workforce, championing STEM education and supporting the economic regeneration of Shetland. Follow the journey of SaxaVord, from ground-breaking to launch, here.
About ViewSonic
Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global visual solutions provider, conducting business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, pen displays, commercial displays, All-in-One LED displays, ViewBoard interactive displays, myViewBoard software, and its ecosystem. With over 35 years of expertise in visual technology, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers “See the Difference.” To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com.
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RM Technology:
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