Project ORBIT
Project ORBIT (Opportunities for Research and Building Interstellar Talents) aims to develop a sustainable strategy to integrate planetary geoscience into our initiatives, and to encourage the uptake of planetary geoscience at University level and/or through to careers.
The project focuses on the application of geology and geophysics to investigate the rocky planets, moons and asteroids in the Solar System, aligning with the national curriculum and space sector needs. We are developing teaching materials, workshops, lesson plans, and laboratory experiments, covering a wide range of topics: meteorite formation, impact cratering, off-world construction via in-situ resource utilisation, and planetary defence. Resources emerging from this project can be found here.
Focused on accessibility and environmental awareness, success will be measured by heightened awareness, student engagement, and the creation of educational materials, such as tactile handling boxes available for loan to schools and public groups, facilitating diverse participation in space and planetary science.
Project ORBIT is funded through the UK Space Agency's Space for All fund. The UK Space Agency has awarded funding to 15 projects across the UK designed to engage young people from all backgrounds and inspire the next generation into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
Project ORBIT started in April 2024. Since then, we have engaged with over 3,000 people on planetary science topics, by participating in events including the Harwell Science and Innovation Centre Open Week, Carfest festival, the Geological Association's Festival of Geology, and the Science Museum STEM Skills Fair. We also hosted a planetary science public lecture (watch it here) with another on the way, and our annual Careers Day, which took place in Manchester in 2024.
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| Saving the Earth from incoming asteroids at Carfest festival - August 2024 |
Planetary careers stall at Careers' Day in Manchester - November 2024 |
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| Planetary science activities at the Geological Society Open House - September 2024 |
Getting ready to discuss geoscience careers at the Science Museum STEM Skills Fair - November 2024 |
Space Week 2025!
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The flagship event of project ORBIT will be Space Week, from 18–28 February 2025!
During Space Week, we will host a series of space-themed outreach and education events, with the aim of making space and planetary geoscience accessible and exciting to all audiences and ages.
Plans for Space Week are underway, so keep an eye on this page for updates.
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School workshops at Burlington House - February 2025
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