Kiwi teen taking off to Nasa

Ekta Bagga will join Nasa Space School in Texas in July.

A New Plymouth teen is one of two young Kiwis chosen to attend a prestigious American space school next year.

New Plymouth Girls' College student Ekta Bagga will be heading to Texas in July next year, where she will attend the Nasa Space School with 49 other students from around the world.

For two weeks, the budding scientists would design a draft plan for a rocket launch to Mars.

"They bring students from all over the world and we would work together for a trip to Mars," Ekta said.

The 15-year-old couldn't believe she was chosen to attend.

"It's mind-blowing. I'm so happy."

To be selected for the school, Ekta was interviewed by her school principal and had to be involved in a variety of extra curricular activities along with top grades.

To be selected, Ekta was interviewed by her school principal and had to be involved in a variety of extra curricular activities along with top grades.

"Quite a lot of people were interested," she said.

The 50 students would attend lectures by space scientists at Nasa.

"It's always been a dream. It's fantastic," she said.

Ekta wants to eventually become a surgeon.

She was excited to share the Kiwi culture among the group.

A Givealittle page has been set up to fund her trip to Texas. The flights and the programme would cost about $4000 altogether.

Her page is givealittle.co.nz/cause/help4ekta.