On Friday, May 26, 2023, the students of PASCAL English School Larnaka, will attempt a global, pioneering experiment, with the ultimate goal of sending an intelligent robot named E.L.I.A.S. as close to the stratosphere and space as possible.
The acronym E.L.I.A.S. has come from the English translations of the words Exploration, Lifelong learning, Innovation, Advancement and Space (Exploration, Lifelong learning, Innovation, Advancement and Space). E.L.I.A.S., as part of this year's Cyprus Space Week program, will be the first intelligent robot in history to successfully complete a space flight.
This project is a big challenge. It takes a lot of planning, preparation and expertise to ensure that E.L.I.A.S. it can withstand the extreme conditions of the stratosphere, such as low pressure, low temperatures and high radiation levels. The PASCAL English School Larnaka team also needs to ensure that the robot can communicate with the ground station located at the PASCAL Space Center in Larnaca and collect data successfully. Despite the challenges, both students and teachers are determined to push the boundaries of what is possible and make history with this experiment.
Given the difficulty and complexity of the experiment, the possibility of an unsuccessful completion of the experiment remains visible. Students and teachers are fully aware of the challenges and understand that there are many factors that could alter the desired goal. However, they are all determined to rise to this challenge and complete their mission, even if it means not achieving the ultimate goal.
“Either way, the experiment is an opportunity for everyone to learn and grow, to push the boundaries of what is possible and to inspire others to pursue their dreams and passions.” Elpidophoros Anastasiou, Director of PASCAL Space Center.
With 85 primary schools participating in the Cyprus Space Week program, more than 2,500 students will watch E.L.I.A.S live from their classrooms. to conquer the stratosphere. In addition, all 85 participating schools are also sending their own flower seeds into the stratosphere as part of the 'Plants to Space' program that combines STEAM education and space exploration. Finally, it is worth noting that the 2,500 students with their teachers have visited the PASCAL Space Center for training and participated in workshops on how to design their experiments but also to get to know E.L.I.A.S.
The event is organized by the “Cyprus Space Foundation” and supported by the Department of Meteorology, the “Eratosthenes” Center of Excellence and the Excelsior team project.
