SXMElections.com

POINTE BLANCHE, St. Maarten – Students and teachers of the HAVO/VWO Department of the Milton Peters College (MPC) have embarked on a unique Science/Technology project called the N.S.E. "Near Space Experience."

Port St. Maarten is supporting the project financially as a partner during the pre and post phases which includes video and graphic productions, launch, along with rendering technical support to help guarantee the success of the project.

This is the first time known so far that this exciting initiative is being realized in the Caribbean by High School students. Information Technology and Science teachers are supporting twenty four (24) students, of which five (5) of them are in the coordinating team overlooking the project progress conform the learning objectives.

"It is a great pleasure that Port St. Maarten can be a part of this innovative project. As a former student of MPC, I am proud to be able to be a part by supporting this initiative. At Port St. Maarten we look at innovation, strategic planning, in order to be ahead of the competition.

"This project by MPC students demonstrates the same philosophy and tenants that we pursue. It is part of our strategy to embrace these types of projects that are designed and developed by our youth. In order for our country to continue to move forward, we have to think as though there isn't a box and be innovative and take calculated risks in order to excel.

"This is definitely a moment in history that we are proud to be a part of. It will stimulate other young people to also reach for the stars as the sky is the limit. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students and teachers for embarking on this one of a kind mission.

"I also take this opportunity to thank Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor for his support by attending the initial presentation given by the students," Port St Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo said on Sunday.

The learning objectives for the students are Research based learning, Critical thinking, Collaboration and Engineering amongst other.

The project's general objectives are to release a science/technology payload into the higher stratosphere, up to 40 km* with calculated Helium in a helium-weather balloon; to make still and moving images of Sint Maarten, the Caribbean and beyond; to measure various Earth's natural conditions, air pollutants; to observe the Earth's curvature and the blackness of the universe.

Prior to the launch, permission has to be requested from the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping and Maritime Affairs as part of compliance and certification as required by international aviation safety regulations.

Realizing a live video streaming up to 20 km and live tracking via a Global Positions System (GPS) sensors, is also part of the project at the MPC students want to give the public at large a real near space experience as well.

For additional information you can follow the NSE project on twitter @NSE_StratosX and on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/NSE.StratosX.

In Photo: Marcus Nicolaas (5th from left), NSE Project Coordinator, Hon. Minister Claret Connor (6th from left), Mark Mingo, Port St. Maarten CEO (7th from left), Ruthline Rogers-Steba, Career Guidance Counselor (4th from right back row) along with students, other management officials from Port St. Maarten and the Cabinet of the Minister.