Space-bound

Mariselle Stofberg Namibia will participate independently at the United Space School (USS) for the first time this year, which takes place from 21 July until 5 August. Christo Boshoff, a grade 11 learner at Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP) will be representing the country. “I feel very privileged and honoured to be a part of this incredible opportunity. This was only made possibly by the will of Our Father in heaven.”Wida du Plessis, the official representative of the USS in southern Africa and Africa, marks this as an incredible opportunity for Namibia as a whole. “This is an incredible milestone for Namibia. The significance of Namibia’s official participation status at the USS is that Namibia is now listed in its own right on the official documents of the USS at NASA and the Namibian flag will be displayed amongst the flags of the other participation countries for the duration of each USS.” Boshoff was born in Otjiwarongo on 25 March 2002, but his family was staying in Tsumeb at the time. They stayed in Tsumeb until 2006 whereafter they immigrated to Angola. They returned to Namibia in 2008 and then stayed in Windhoek, where he is currently at WAP. He is one of three children and his parents have always supported their passions and encouraged them to do what they love. Since a young age he was encouraged to live a balanced life, and not only did he participate in sports, specifically rugby, but enjoys music as well and playing the cello and flute. Boshoff’s enthusiasm for science and space has its roots in his curious nature and love for science in general. “My love for space developed due to my interest in science. Initially I was interested in biology and maths and further research into both sparked my interest in physics. The more I learned, the more my interests grew,” says Boshoff. He is planning on studying medicine after he matriculates and he hopes to use this knowledge to better the circumstances of those around him. “I don’t want to become a doctor, but I rather want to design medical equipment that can be used in areas without conventional medical services, such as warzones, or design equipment that can be used in space.”Namibia can from 2019 onwards annually send one student to the USS and to the culture fair, which is a part of the USS programme. Namibia will for the first time have its own spot to display typical Namibian food and other national symbols.Du Plessis believes this opportunity will not only be of great value to Boshoff, but has the potential to open up doors for Namibia as well. “Most of the students, host families and some keynote speakers attending the USS did not see or meet anyone from Namibia before, and now they could take note of the country, its flag, its heritage, culture and its people. They are the future in their respective countries and their newfound knowledge of Namibia could prove to be valuable to Namibia in future.”Boshoff encourages learners to not only have a dream, but to actually take measures to make that dream a reality. “To have a dream is great, but you need to start working now to realise that dream. Nothing is impossible and the more you do things that might appear impossible, the more possible they become.”Christo fact box:· He loves to cook and bake.· He sings and has been a part of a choir before· He is a ‘Voortrekker’.· His family has two boerboels.· In his free time he likes to watch videos on maths and science. USS fact box:· Up to 50 students from 25 countries across the globe take part on an invitation basis only.· This year’s theme is ‘A Manned Mission to Mars’.· The students are divided into five teams: Yellow, red, blue, green and maroon, and compete against each during the two-week programme. · Students are exposed to the mentorship of engineers, scientists and leaders in the aerospace industry. · Topics covered include the physiological effects on the human body in a weightlessness environment, plasma propulsion rocketry, life support and environmental systems, psychological factors in long duration spaceflight, medical care during spaceflights and long endurance spaceflights.

Space-bound

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Space-bound

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