On Wednesday 1 July, Astrogazers presented research at the prestigious Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. They demonstrated how sunlight can be used to monitor atmospheric pollution from space – a vital part of Mission Pegasus, the team’s ambitious satellite project.
The Science Behind the Mission
As part of Mission Pegasus, over the past two years, Astrogazers have been working with the University of Bath and Spirent Communications to investigate how changes in sunlight intensity and wavelength can be used to monitor atmospheric particles and air quality through the Royal Society Partnership Grants Scheme.
The pupils carried out investigations to monitor pollution using different wavelengths of visible light. In a controlled dark-box experiment, pupils introduced smoke particles to simulate increasing levels of air pollution and measured how different wavelengths of visible light behaved.
Their findings showed that as particulate levels increased, light intensity decreased, demonstrating how sunlight can provide valuable information about air quality.
From the Lab to a CubeSat
Building on this work, the team designed and developed an autonomous light sensor suitable for use aboard a CubeSat. They successfully tested this on an experimental aircraft to verify its functionality last July.
Astrogazers will continue their research by measuring sunlight at different times of day to explore how atmospheric conditions affect light intensity across different wavelengths.
Standing Alongside World-Class Scientists
At the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, pupils presented their findings to some of the world’s most eminent scientists alongside 14 outstanding research groups and more than 300 scientists from across the UK.
Visitors who attended Croydon High School’s stand at the exhibition were able to experiment with light transmission through various filters and an optical cube, explore the impact of air quality and pollution, and discover how key components of the sensor and Cubesat work.
A huge congratulations to the entire Astrogazers team for representing Croydon High School so brilliantly on a prestigious stage.
With a successful exhibition behind them, the team is now looking firmly toward the stars as they continue their journey toward launching their own satellite.
A Celebration of Community and Support
The exhibition was made even more special by some incredible guests who dropped by the stand. The team enjoyed a surprise visit from Natasha Irons MP, who came along to show her support for the girls and learn more about Croydon High’s pioneering space mission.
The current team was also thrilled by a surprise visit from Astrogazers alumnae and former Mission Directors, Isla M and Aashka P. Having paved the way for Mission Pegasus, it was a proud moment for them to return, see how much the club has progressed, and cheer on the next generation of space scientists.
Professor Cathryn Mitchell also came down from University of Bath to celebrate Astrogazers achievements at the black tie Soiree event in the evening.
Words from the Team
Professor Cathryn Mitchell, Professor of Radio Systems at the University of Bath and Lead STEM partner said:
“One of the best things about working with Croydon High School is seeing the girls take control of the project and drive it forward. The pupils in Astrogazers have a very ambitious aim to have their own satellite in space, and they are willing to put the work in to follow all the steps to make that happen.”
Anaiya S, Y11, Mission Director said:
“I learned the importance of stepping back and analysing problems from a broader perspective… which helped me identify small details causing experimental issues and solve them more efficiently.”
Isla M, former Mission Director reading Medicine at the University of Exeter said:
“It was really inspirational to see all the progress the girls and Mrs Karteepan have made since we left at the end of 2024. Their pure, honest enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge when presenting at the Royal Society Exhibition was incredible – it was so lovely to see the excitement we felt for Astrogazers in them too. I am so proud of them all and I really hope they are proud of themselves and all their achievements too!!”
Aashka P, former Mission Director reading Mathematics at the University of Durham said:
“It was a great pleasure to visit the Astrogazers stand at the Royal Society exhibition. I felt immensely proud to not only see the club’s progression within Mission Pegasus, but also the growth of individual members. The current members’ dedication and enthusiasm towards the mission reminds me of my time in the club.
The stand itself was very informative with lots of entertaining activities that helped visitors understand what Mission Pegasus was really about. Although it has only been a year, the development of each division and the knowledge of individual members was evident. It was wonderful to see the passion and smiles from many familiar faces and I can’t wait to see what Astrogazers has for us in the future!”
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Mrs Karteepan
Head of Physics
Founder & Director of Astrogazers
