Seaham pupils shoot for the stars

A County Durham school has taken learning to new heights after pupils transmitted messages into space using cutting-edge technology.

Pupils from St Mary Magdalen’s Primary School in Seaham took part in the project using laser-based systems as part of Durham University’s Light Years programme.

The demonstration took place during the SPARC Summit Late, a one-night public event at Ushaw Historic House bringing together scientists, artists and the public to explore the future of space.

Using free space optics, the project converts written messages and drawings into data before transmitting them towards targets in space, from the Moon to Mars and beyond.

This technology is being developed by Durham University’s Space Research Centre, which has been nicknamed SPARC.

Professor James Osborn, founder of SPARC, professor of astrophysics and director of the Durham SPARC, said: “Laser communication allows us to send information in a much more targeted and efficient way. Instead of broadcasting signals widely, we can direct data to very specific points in space with far greater precision.

“This is the kind of technology that will underpin future satellite systems, deep space missions and robotic exploration. 

“What’s powerful about this demonstration is that it makes that process visible. Showing how something written here on Earth can be converted into data and transmitted beyond it.

“It’s also a reminder that this kind of innovation isn’t happening somewhere else - it’s being developed and tested right here in the North East of England.”

Alongside the demonstration, the event featured contributions from the wider community, with residents submitting messages and reflections on life beyond Earth, complemented by an installation from Durham light artist Mick Stevenson, known for his work at Lumiere.

Part of Into the Light County Durham, the initiative brings together culture, education and industry to support regional development.

Julia Handelman-Smith, director at Into the Light said: “It was fantastic to see so many artists, creatives, researchers and partners, coming together at the SPARC Summit to share their inspiring work and ideas. 

“The talent on show, and enthusiasm from everyone there, highlighted what Into the Light is all about: creating opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, and see what’s possible when creativity brings different worlds together. 

“Light Years is a wonderful example of how this approach can open up new opportunities, build confidence and show how a place like County Durham can be at the forefront of both cultural and technological innovation.”

Amelia, aged 6, from St Mary Magdalen’s school in Seaham, who took part in the live demonstration, said: “It’s exciting to think something I wrote could be sent into space. It makes space feel closer to me. 

“And makes me think what I would want to say and who might be listening up there.”

The demonstration highlights how advances in laser communication could play a key role in future space exploration while engaging young people with science and technology.

Ged Matthews, director of Light Years, added: “This is space technology you don’t just hear about, you take part in. 

“By inviting people to write a message and see it transmitted into space, we’re opening up access to ideas and technologies that can often feel distant or abstract.

“Light Years is about connecting people to the future of space in ways that are creative, tangible and rooted in place. 

“It shows how a region like County Durham can play a role not just in developing new technologies, but in shaping how people understand and engage with them.

“The recent publicity around the Artemis II space mission has only fuelled interest in the world beyond our planet, and it’s exciting that our region is at the heart of this conversation. 

“The technology is innovative, yet accessible, and we hope the event will inspire the astrophysicists, researchers, engineers and astrological leaders of the future.”

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