UCT Collaboration
UCT Collaboration
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Parklands College and UCT Collaborate on Radiation Detection for NASA and the ISS
Grade 10 learner contributes to real-world space science research
Parklands College and UCT Collaborate on Radiation Detection for NASA and the ISS
Grade 10 learner contributes to real-world space science research
Parklands College proudly celebrated an exciting collaboration between the STAR Programme and the University of Cape Town’s Physics Department, in which Grade 10 learner, Gerhard Vosloo, worked alongside leading researchers to develop an advanced radiation detection system destined for both a NASA High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) and the International Space Station (ISS).
Parklands College proudly celebrated an exciting collaboration between the STAR Programme and the University of Cape Town’s Physics Department, in which Grade 10 learner, Gerhard Vosloo, worked alongside leading researchers to develop an advanced radiation detection system destined for both a NASA High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) and the International Space Station (ISS).
Gerhard, together with Mr. Cai Bridges and Dr. André Rossouw from Parklands College, met with Professor Andy Buffler, Dr. Tanya Hutton, and PhD student Miles Kidson at UCT to explore the design and coding of sophisticated radiation sensors. The UCT Physics Department has long been recognised for its pioneering work in applied nuclear physics, contributing to proton therapy for cancer treatment, PET scanner development, and radiation monitoring for frequent flyers such as pilots and cabin crew.
Gerhard, together with Mr. Cai Bridges and Dr. André Rossouw from Parklands College, met with Professor Andy Buffler, Dr. Tanya Hutton, and PhD student Miles Kidson at UCT to explore the design and coding of sophisticated radiation sensors. The UCT Physics Department has long been recognised for its pioneering work in applied nuclear physics, contributing to proton therapy for cancer treatment, PET scanner development, and radiation monitoring for frequent flyers such as pilots and cabin crew.
In the collaboration, UCT Physics developed the hardware — including neutron detectors and Geiger counters — while Gerhard coded the detectors using the MaxIQ platform. Their work formed part of the Cosmic On Air citizen science project, which investigates radiation exposure in the upper atmosphere and aboard aircraft.
In the collaboration, UCT Physics developed the hardware — including neutron detectors and Geiger counters — while Gerhard coded the detectors using the MaxIQ platform. Their work formed part of the Cosmic On Air citizen science project, which investigates radiation exposure in the upper atmosphere and aboard aircraft.
The detectors, running on Gerhard’s code, were selected for launch on a NASA High-Altitude Balloon in October 2025, followed by deployment to the ISS in mid-2026 — marking an extraordinary milestone for a South African learner.
The detectors, running on Gerhard’s code, were selected for launch on a NASA High-Altitude Balloon in October 2025, followed by deployment to the ISS in mid-2026 — marking an extraordinary milestone for a South African learner.
“It was an incredible experience to be part of a project with real-world impact, and I’m grateful to MaxIQ Space, UCT Physics, and Dr. Rossouw for this opportunity to make a positive difference in the world,” said Gerhard.
“It was an incredible experience to be part of a project with real-world impact, and I’m grateful to MaxIQ Space, UCT Physics, and Dr. Rossouw for this opportunity to make a positive difference in the world,” said Gerhard.
This remarkable collaboration was made possible through MaxIQ Space, Parklands College’s long-standing partner in space-based education, with the support of Richard Salter from NASA’s Goddard Balloon Office. The project demonstrated the transformative potential of authentic STEM education, placing South African learners at the forefront of global scientific discovery.
This remarkable collaboration was made possible through MaxIQ Space, Parklands College’s long-standing partner in space-based education, with the support of Richard Salter from NASA’s Goddard Balloon Office. The project demonstrated the transformative potential of authentic STEM education, placing South African learners at the forefront of global scientific discovery.
Learn more about these pioneering initiatives:
Learn more about these pioneering initiatives:
🔗 UCT Proton Therapy Initiative
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