A Taranaki high school student is reaching for the moon, or more accurately the planet Mars, with the news he has been selected to attend an elite academic programme in the United States this year.
Stratford-based New Plymouth Boys' High student Bradley Hare-Bint, 15, says the experience is guaranteed to be "out of this world", especially given the participants work on a series of scenarios based around a simulated manned mission to Mars.
Organised by the Foundation for International Space Education (Fise), the two-week United Space School course is in Houston, Texas in July, meaning Bradley has only a few months to fundraise the amount needed to cover his flights and any other costs.
"I don't want to just ask people for money, so I am hoping to work for businesses or individuals to earn the money. I don't mind what type of work, I can wash cars, mow lawns, whatever people need doing."
Over the two-week course Bradley, with other students selected from all over the world, will work through various scenarios as well as attending lectures featuring guest speakers from various parts of the space industry. Students will stay with host families during the course, giving them a taste of life in the US with a range of activities and outings planned during their stay.