Monday, February 14, 2011
Reuben ready to take off on Russian space centre mission
Reuben Burdett, 15, is looking forward to his trip to Russia, where he will learn first-hand about space exploration.
By Zena Hawley Zhawley@Derbytelegraph.Co.Uk
ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND HERE - http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Reuben-ready-Russian-space-centre-mission/article-3217262-detail/article.html
A DERBYSHIRE schoolboy has been selected to take part in an out-of-this world trip to a space camp in Russia.
Reuben Burdett, 15, who attends John Port School, in Etwall, now has to raise £1,000 to attend the prestigious event, where he will learn first-hand about space exploration.
He is among a number of gifted and talented children who are hoping to travel to the International Youth Space Camp in Russia at Korolev in July.
They will attend presentations by space officials and even get to talk to a cosmonaut.
Reuben, who lives in Monk Street, Tutbury, has now decided to become an Avon representative to help raise some of the funding.
He said: "It's quite a lot of money to raise in a short space of time, especially as I have my GCSEs to study for as well, which I take in May and June.
"My mum suggested distributing catalogues and taking orders and sorted it all out for me."
Reuben is also thinking up other ways to raise money and is likely to hold a sponsored swim in May at the Etwall Leisure Centre, where he will swim at least two kilometres.
He said: "I like swimming and so it makes sense to raise money doing something I enjoy.
"I have also been offered some sponsorship by a couple of businesses, so I am confident I will reach my total."
Reuben first heard about the trip, which is being hosted by the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia and organised by East Midlands Gifted and Talented Education, in a school assembly.
He said: "I have always been interested in space exploration and also Russia, so this is the best of both worlds for me.
"There will also be the chance to meet lots of new people and it will be something to look forward to before I start my A-levels."
During the trip, about 100 young people from several countries will attend presentations from members of the Russian space programme, experience Russian methods of astronaut training, visit the mission control centre and meet a Russian cosmonaut.
They will also have an opportunity, via a video link, to speak to astronauts and cosmonauts based at the International Space Station.
The trip will also include visits to the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow.
Reuben added: "It's the opportunity of a lifetime and I can't wait to go."
