In a unique collaboration between education and space science, 37 students from Millfield School in Years 9 and 10 have successfully created and executed programs aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The achievement, a result of the Astro Pi Mission Zero project, is a significant contribution to the realm of space programming.

Mission Zero, a partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, enables young participants to take the first step in space programming. Participants are tasked with designing a short program that utilises the sensors aboard the AstroPi computers, producing images to remind the astronauts of home.

The student's programming activities were part of their Computer Science lessons, designed around National Science Week's flora and fauna theme. The students' creations included a wide range of designs, such as a fish in the ocean and a colour-sensing flower that alters its hue based on the astronaut's shirt colour.

Students whose code was successfully executed on the ISS received a certificate and the ISS coordinates at the time of their program's display.

Commenting on the students' achievement, Millfield's Head of Computing and IT, Kirsty Rogers, said "We are immensely proud of this achievement by our young computer scientists. Their dedication and brilliance have truly exemplified the school values. The collaboration between the ESA and Raspberry Pi Foundation has bestowed an inspiring opportunity that has left an indelible mark on their aspirations. Some have even begun planning next year's entry!"