West London students had the chance to see the launch of the Space X Falcon 9 rocket from Cocoa Beach in Florida last week.

Six students from Aspirations academies in west London, Park Academy in Hillingdon and Rivers Academy and Space Studio West London in Feltham, were selected to witness the historic launch as part of a unique trip to NASA.

The students were selected through a competition across the trust’s six senior schools, based on their curiosity, interest and academic ability.

The costs of the trip were entirely covered by the Aspirations Academies Trust.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: The sixth formers witnessed the launch of the Space X Falcon 9 rocket from Cocoa BeachThe sixth formers witnessed the launch of the Space X Falcon 9 rocket from Cocoa Beach (Image: Aspirations Academies Trust)

Simon Sterland, co-leader of the trip, said: "We take students who are going to get something out of the experience, whether that be in terms of their academic or personal development.

"The trip to NASA is often life changing and it’s always unique depending on NASA’s launch services programme.

"We were very fortunate to have witnessed the launch of PACE, especially since its scheduled launch was delayed."

From the beach alongside Kennedy Space Center, they watched PACE - a NASA satellite mission aimed at studying ocean health, air quality and climate change - successfully launch into orbit at 1.33am (EST) last Thursday(February 15).

Park Academy student Callum said: "It was amazing.

"Standing on the beach in the middle of the night watching the flashing lights from Cape Canaveral… I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited."

Richmond and Twickenham Times: The students also toured local schools and visited the American Space Museum on their tripThe students also toured local schools and visited the American Space Museum on their trip (Image: Aspirations Academies Trust)

Fellow sixth former Amber added: "When Falcon 9 blasted off it was like watching the sun rising at speed.

"And then the sky went black again and all you could hear was the rocket.

"When it reappeared heading back to Cape Canaveral it looked like it might land on us."

During their trip, the students also toured local schools, visited the American Space Museum, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum and mingled with NASA engineers and scientists.

Park Academy Principal, Suvi Mohey, said: "At Park Academy we are always looking for innovative ways to educate our students beyond the classroom and pride ourselves on placing applied learning at the heart of our curriculum."