Businesses are being called upon to give Northumberland’s children and young people the chance to be part of something extraordinary this autumn through NASA’S Mission Discovery.

Published: 04 May 2021

Starlight Education’s Mission Discovery is an opportunity for Northumberland’s children and young people to meet and work with real astronauts and create an experiment that will be launched into space.

Taking place in Newcastle in October, this world-renowned event has 500 places available to children and young people across the region; 300 of which have so far been sponsored by local businesses securing places for pupils in the county, but further sponsorship is needed to create more opportunities.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, executive director for adult and children’s services, said: “Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and to have it right on our doorstep is amazing. We want to try and secure as many places as we possibly can for our children and young people, and for that we need the support of Northumberland’s businesses.

“If you own a business in, or outside the county you can get involved by sponsoring a place for a child. Sponsorship means that any child who shows interest will have the chance to attend Mission Discovery.

“You could make a real difference to their lives, giving them the chance to be inspired and shine!”

Under the guidance of NASA astronauts, NASA personnel, rocket scientists and world-renowned professors students will work towards designing an experiment, which could benefit the human race, whether it is on Earth, the Space Station, the Moon, Mars or beyond.

The week will also give the students the chance to find out how space exploration benefits life on earth, experience the environment of space and look at different kinds of experiments and what makes them great.

Those who take part will finish the week by presenting their idea to the Mission Discovery judges. The best experiment will be selected, built at NASA and launched to the International Space Station (ISS) to be conducted by the astronauts on board.

Businesses that get involved will also get the chance to attend the Mission Discovery Gala Dinner on the evening of Tuesday 26th October.

Any businesses that want to support this opportunity for our children and young people should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.