An 18-year-old Southern Regional College student from Armagh has taken his interest in science from the classroom to Houston, after being selected to represent the college at the prestigious United Space School 2026.
Jack Abbott, a Level 3 Applied Science student at SRC, joined students from around the world for a programme focused on planning a manned mission to Mars. The international experience placed him among specialist teams working through the practical demands of a future space mission.
Designing a habitat for six astronauts
As a member of the Mars Habitation Team, Jack helped design a habitat for six astronauts during an 800-day mission to Mars. The work involved considering the challenges that would affect the crew throughout an extended mission away from Earth.
Those challenges included radiation protection, life-support systems and choosing a suitable location for the habitat. Jack also collaborated with teams focused on mission control, transit, exploration and logistics, giving him an insight into the range of disciplines required to plan and operate a space programme.
From SRC classroom to Johnson Space Centre
The Houston visit included a private tour of Johnson Space Centre, Rocket Park and the original Apollo Mission Control Room. Jack also had the opportunity to meet aerospace professionals and NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen.
For the Armagh student, the programme offered a practical demonstration of how science can connect to careers well beyond a traditional classroom setting. He discovered his enthusiasm for the subject during his GCSEs before choosing to continue with the Level 3 Applied Science course at Southern Regional College.
The experience has broadened his view of the opportunities available across the space sector and wider STEM industries. It also brought new friendships, international connections and memories that he described as lasting well beyond the trip itself.
“The trip has certainly opened my eyes to the vast number of roles that are involved in space exploration and the opportunities that are currently available as well as what is yet to come!”
Jack also described the United Space School experience as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. His participation highlights the opportunities available to SRC students beyond their usual studies, while showing how an interest developed during school can lead to international education and industry experiences.
Through the Mars habitation project, the Armagh student was able to work on a complex team challenge, visit important sites connected with NASA’s history and meet people working in aerospace. The programme has left him with a wider understanding of the roles involved in space exploration and the potential routes into STEM careers.