STUDENTS have been inspired to aim high after winning a space capsule contest with their rocket.
Northallerton School and Sixth Form College students successfully launched and landed a space capsule in the annual Rotary Technology Tournament.
Ross Hutton, Callum Grayson, both of Northallerton, Nathan Wood and Ryan Holding, both of Osmotherley, all 18, designed and engineered their spaceship from an elastic band, a cup, plastic ball and glue.
The rocket was launched 3m into the air and took first place with a pinpoint landing close to the launch site.
About 20 teams, involving schools from across County Durham and North Yorkshire, descended on Catterick Leisure Centre for the annual contest.
Ross said: “We were also judged on a portfolio of design work and the competition was quite tough, so we were delighted to win. We really enjoyed the experience and all hope to study at university.”
Head of faculty for technology Steve Marshall said: “All the students demonstrated great spirit and enthusiasm, using their combined knowledge, understanding and experiences, working as a team, to apply scientific and mathematical skills with practical techniques to produce creative working solutions.
“I am very proud of the way they showed a mature and professional attitude to the competition and they were great ambassadors for the school and engineering in society.
“This continues our school’s track record of creatively responding to design and engineering problems and engaging with students’ aspirations.”