From left, Española YMCA Teen Center Director Ben Sandoval, NASA Astronaut Dr. Donald Thomas and EYTC ‘Team Intergalactic’ member Benjamin Sandoval in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Courtesy photoYMCA News:
Española Teen Center Director Ben Sandoval and “Team Intergalactic” student Benjamin Sandoval were granted an amazing opportunity to attend a 3-day training with NASA in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
They were among 40 people chosen nationwide to attend this special training event. In conjunction with the training, Ben presented for the launching of OSIRUS-Rex, a robot that will be on a mission to collect a sample from the asteroid Bennu. It will bring the sample back to earth so scientists can study and learn more about this ateroid, which is a possible threat to earth.
Ben came back with a load of amazing information and knowledge, which he will be sharing in various presentations and events. He also has built a model of OSIRIS-REx and an Atlas V rocket. He will be using this interactive model for his presentations.
Youth in the community have already benefitted from these presentations and the local Teen Center was honored to be the first. Ben was invited by J.H. Rodriguez Elementary School to do a NASA presentation for their students as well.
Española YMCA Teen Center Director Ben Sandoval during his recent trip to Cape Canaveral, Fla. Courtesy photo