District 55 High School Student Graduates from Space Camp

Laurens District 55 High School 9^th grade student, Thomas Ray Crain, son of Marty and Kimbrely Crain, recently graduated from the US Space and Rocket Center’s prestigious Space Camp for the second time.

Crain attended Advanced Space Academy on July the 17- 22 In Huntsville, Alabama. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the camps inception. On this his second time attending the camp, Crain earned his “Wings,” as well as college credit to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) for their Introduction to Space Science (ESS 100). This credit can be used toward a degree in Aeronautical/Space Engineering.

During his week at camp, Crain learned about the most recent advancements in space technology as well as the future of humans living and working in space and on other planets. Crain and his team (ELYSIUM) worked together to accomplish their mission entrusted to them by the camp instructors, by not only completing team building skills, but also scuba diving in the large Astronaut weightless training tank located at Space Camp. The tank is used to simulate what it’s like to work in a near weightless environment. Crain and his team also participated in a mock mission to the surface of the “Red” planet (MARS) including a rocket launch, and landing on the surface where they established an operational base on the planet’s surface that would sustain life while constructing a long-term living habitat.

Crain, being no stranger to Space Camp, also participated in the 50^th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon launch and landing event that took place the week of July 14-19, 2019, with team (SAIC) at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, where he was chosen as the mission commander.

Crain has been invited back to attend the Elite Advanced Space Academy when he turns 17. This is by invitation only and shows that Space Camp Staff identify him as a standout among his peers.

Crain aspires to become an engineer and assist in building new systems that will be used for future missions.

Click HERE for more information about space camp.