Inspiring the next generation of rocket scientists: Orbex completes school tours across the north of Scotland

School pupils, ages 14 to 17, at Forres Academy are the latest pupils to learn about rocket science, satellites, and the growing Scottish space industry, following a visit from Forres-based Orbex. The visit marks the completion of Orbex’s tour of eleven schools across Moray and the Highlands during this school year, aiming to educate and inspire the next generation of innovators from as young as P1 up to S6.

During the visits, younger pupils learned about what role Orbex plays in the space sector in Scotland. For senior classes, presentations were given on career opportunities at Orbex as well as the space sector more widely.

The orbital launch services company, based just under three miles away from Forres Academy, is set to launch its rocket many more miles into space from Sutherland Spaceport.

Phil Chambers, CEO at Orbex said: "By visiting schools in our surrounding areas and engaging with our local students from an early age, we hope to spark their interest and passion for space exploration and scientific discoveries. We hope the students left with a greater idea of what Orbex is doing right on their doorstep and feel inspired by what potential career opportunities await them within the space sector."

Claire McCormick, Head of Science Department at Forres Academy said: “We really enjoyed our visit from Orbex - it was a fantastic opportunity to learn about a space company that is right on our doorstep as well as the wider space industry. It was great to see our students so engaged during the visit and it might have even inspired the next generation of rocket scientists!”