Payton Long Creek, Prince Edward Island

Fair address: Prince Edward Island Provincial Fair

Project: Canadian Space Achievements

My project celebrates Canada's Space Achievements from our Astronauts and Apollo Lunar Landing Gear to our Satellites, like the Radarsat-1.  I also talk about the Canadarm and Canadarm2, which I feel are our most important contributions to space exploration.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned about my topic was that Canadians developed the landing gear for the Apollo Lunar Lander. The gear was used on all 6 moon landings. This is interesting because it means that there is a piece of Canada on the moon.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The most important lesson I learned is how inventions for space inspire inventions that benefit us on Earth. For example, the Canadarm technology is used in the KidsArm, a robotic arm used in surgery at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. I also learned what it takes to become an Astronaut so rather than just dream about it, I can be it by working hard.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life is more technological than theirs because of the work they did to develop, install and maintain the satellites that make our lives better. The work they did and how they shared their stories and pictures of space with us like Chris Hadfield did from the ISS showed me what I could be if I worked as hard as he did.