Meeting someone who has seen earth from space was more than just an ordinary school visit for pupils at the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS).
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer visited the school on Friday, giving pupils an opportunity to hear first-hand about life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), space exploration and the journey to becoming an astronaut.
“It’s not every day that someone who has already seen our planet from space walks through our school gates. He answered their questions and shared experiences beyond learning from a textbook,” the school says in a statement issued yesterday.
Maurer, who is the 600th person to travel into space and the fourth German to undertake a spacewalk, spent 177 days aboard the ISS during his Cosmic Kiss mission.
He travelled more than 120 million kilometres, circling earth 2 832 times while conducting scientific experiments and living in weightlessness.
“Although his achievements are undoubtedly impressive, it was above all his personality that captivated pupils,” the school says.
For the pupils, it was not only his achievements in space that captured their attention, it says.
Maurer spoke openly about his journey and the importance of curiosity, ambition and teamwork in achieving seemingly distant goals.
He also shared insights into the preparation required for space missions and what everyday life is like aboard the ISS.
“During his Cosmic Kiss mission aboard the ISS, he worked on scientific experiments, lived in weightlessness for months and looked down on our planet day after day from a perspective that very few people are privileged to experience,” DHPS says.
It says Maurer encouraged pupils to dream bigger, adding that major achievements often begin with curiosity and the willingness to pursue a dream.
According to the statement, pupils asked about space exploration, science and technology, and the earth’s future.
“The interaction turned the visit into more than a presentation about space travel, exposing pupils to the possibilities created by science, technology and international cooperation,” DHPS says.
Maurer is looking towards the next chapter of human space exploration, with an ambition to participate in the planned Artemis mission to the moon and represent Europe on the journey.
DHPS says the visit demonstrated how encounters with people from different fields can encourage young people to think beyond what they already know and consider possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings.
DHPS thanked Maurer, the ESA and the German embassy in Windhoek for making the visit possible.
Maurer came to Namibia on 1 October and will stay for a 10-day tour aimed at strengthening scientific ties between Namibia and Europe and inspiring young people to explore careers in science, technology and innovation.
He is participating in the country’s World Space Week commemoration, which kicked off on Monday and ends on Friday.
He is expected to engage with about 8 000 pupils in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Ongwediva and Oshakati. He delivered a key note at the opening of the World Space Week in Windhoek on Monday.
