Think Global Flight promotes STEM education

21 May 2015: A round-the-world flying mission to interest more children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will have the continued support of Inmarsat this year.

Think Global Flightaims to promote aviation and aerospace career opportunities and show why STEM subjects are so important.

Following a tour around the USA in a Cessna Citation Mustang business jet last year, Captain Judy Rice, navigator Fred Nauer and plane owner Edwin Sahakian will take off from Burbank, California next month (June), taking in 32 cities in 23 countries before their return in August.

Data analysis

More than 20,000 young people around the world have signed up to join Student Command Centres, which are playing an active part in the mission through research, data analysis and flight planning.

Inmarsat is providing an IsatPhone Pro satellite phone, SIM card and ground communication time so Judy can make daily reports to the centres at the end of each leg.

"We were thrilled with our Inmarsat equipment during our national tour and look forward to using it again for this trip," said Judy. "Most importantly, it forms the vital link between our aircraft and the Student Command Centres. Transmitting flight information and talking to students makes the whole thing real for them - there is nothing more powerful than that."

Follow progress

Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, added: "We are delighted to support Think Global Flight again this year. Captain Judy and her team make aviation and STEM education fun and interactive for students from all corners of the planet. It is exactly this sort of initiative which we need to effectively promote STEM education.

"We wish Captain Judy well on this year's trip and look forward to following her progress."

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