Help Theo go to Space!

Let me ask you a question – when was the last time you checked the weather forecast, or navigated using Google/Apple Maps? Most likely, the answer is within a week or even a day. These tools seem simple, and we often take them for granted; however, they would not be possible without all the Space infrastructure involved, from satellite constellations to ground stations, which were built thanks to humans pursuing the exploration of Space. There is so much more to the Space industry, such as combatting climate change through atmospheric modelling, that it’s impossible to discuss in a such short list.

So, where do I come in to all this? My name is Theo, and as a child growing up in Knutsford, I fondly remember looking up to the millions upon millions of stars in our night sky. I believed that Space had limitless potential, and that we were only just scratching the surface of what’s possible. My passion led me to recently become a 1st Class Master of Engineering graduate from Durham University, UK, with specialisms in Renewable Energy and Aeronautical Engineering, which I aim to use to pursue a career in sustainable space technology and exploration.

This month, the UK Government released a Space Exploration Technology Roadmap (SETR), which outlines our mission to become a leader in the global space economy, which is expected to grow $1 trillion by 2040. The strategic plan identifies the need for future space leaders, and I believe I will be one of them.

That brings me to the purpose of this GoFundMe. After a highly competitive global application process, I have been selected to attend the International Space University's Space Studies Program this summer, which is hosted in collaboration with Rice University and NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas (USA)! The intensive course will bring together 120 professionals from around the world, for 8-weeks of international, interdisciplinary, and intercultural exchanges and partnership growths. With enriching tours to various new space businesses, such as Axiom Space (who aim to construct the worlds' first commercial space station) and SpaceX (who are shaking up the entire space launch ecosystem), this programme will be a great opportunity to broaden my perspective of the sector and build deep and meaningful connections with many like-minded, talented individuals. I'm particularly looking forward to meeting the International Astronaut Panel, in addition to attending lectures from renowned experts to learn about the many facets of space. I am certain this will be a keystone experience to launch my career into space, and I am eager to make use of my skills to make a meaningful, positive impact for the people on Earth.

Furthermore, I am extremely honoured to be one of the few people who have received a partial scholarship from the UK Space Agency to attend this incredible program, and, eternally grateful to the European Space Agency, ISU Committee, and other private investors for additional financial backing. Unfortunately, there are still some significant costs for the remaining tuition fees, flights to America, and living expenses. Since graduating, I have been saving every penny to raise the final funds for this trip, however, there is still some ways to go. That's why I'm reaching out to my community and beyond for any support you can offer!

Even a small donation, like the cost of your morning coffee, can make a huge difference. Every contribution gets me closer to this dream and allows me to contribute to the future of space exploration. Perhaps one day, my team will be involved in taking you to the Lunar Gateway.

Thank you for considering my journey. Together, let's push the boundaries of what's possible! If you have any more questions about me or the course, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.