Labour MP Natasha Irons Visits Croydon High to Support Groundbreaking Mission Pegasus Initiative

Labour MP Natasha Irons Inspires Future Scientists at Croydon High

This week, Croydon welcomed Labour MP Natasha Irons for an inspiring visit to Croydon High School, the largest all-girls fee-paying institution in the area. Irons’ visit was centered around Mission Pegasus, an ambitious initiative that aims to make Croydon High the first all-girls school globally to design, build, and launch a satellite into space.

Fostering Ambition in STEM

Irons’ visit follows her recent Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament, in which she commended the outstanding efforts of the school’s Astrogazers club. Founded by the award-winning head of physics, Arabi Karteepan, this club is pivotal in promoting female participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

During her visit, Irons engaged with students during a presentation that showcased their research and engineering endeavors. The girls shared their visions for the next phase of Mission Pegasus in a question-and-answer session filled with enthusiasm and scientific curiosity.

“I left my visit with Astrogazers feeling inspired,” shared Irons, the MP for Croydon East. “The depth of thinking behind Mission Pegasus and the tenacity these young women have shown is remarkable. Their ambition to build and launch a satellite demonstrates what can be achieved when young women are encouraged to lead in STEM.”

A Day to Remember

The day was not just about the students, as it also featured key figures from the world of science. Irons had the opportunity to meet Professor Cathryn Mitchell from the University of Bath, alongside Dr. Robert Watson, who have both played crucial roles in supporting the project. Additionally, representatives from the UK Space Agency, including Ingmar Kamalagharan and NASA’s Dr. Suze Kundu—a former Croydon High pupil—were present, further adding to the prestige of the event.

Croydon High’s headteacher, Annabel Davies, remarked, “We were honoured to welcome Natasha Irons MP and thrilled that she could hear the girls’ passion first-hand. Her support, combined with insights from our esteemed guests, has made this visit genuinely memorable.”

The Road Ahead

Astrogazers recently completed Phase 2 of Mission Pegasus, which involved aircraft flight testing at Cranfield Airport in collaboration with the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM). As they move into Phase 3, the focus will shift toward constructing the engineering model of the satellite payload, with aspirations to build the final flight-ready satellite using space-grade materials.

The students are currently seeking sponsorship to fund this groundbreaking initiative, showcasing their commitment to not only achieving their goals but also their readiness to take on real-world challenges.

Conclusion

Irons’ visit to Croydon High is a testament to the importance of supporting young women in STEM. It underscores the school’s mission to inspire the next generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As they continue on their ambitious journey, there’s no doubt these young women are not just aiming for the stars—they’re ready to reach them.

Stay tuned for more updates on Mission Pegasus and the remarkable journey of Croydon High’s Astrogazers!