VHS student goes to space camp

Tom Clemons spent a week at Space Camp, located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

By Jenna Dennison • October 6, 2021 1:30 am
(Photo Courtesy Allison Clemons) Tom Clemons, suited up at Space Camp. The program has had nearly 1 million trainees graduate from its programs since its inception in 1982.
(Photo Courtesy Allison Clemons) Tom Clemons, suited up at Space Camp. The program has had nearly 1 million trainees graduate from its programs since its inception in 1982.

Have you ever wanted to train like an astronaut and learn more about space exploration? For Vashon High School student Tom Clemons, this was made possible as he headed to Space Camp, located in Huntsville, Alabama at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Clemons spent a week at Space Camp, where he and his team flew simulated space missions, participated in experiments and successfully completed a spacewalk. Students who attend Space Camp are also trained in simulators like those used by NASA and sleep in quarters designed to resemble those at the International Space Station.

Clemons’ team also had the honor of being awarded the “Commander’s Cup,” which is given to the team at Space Camp that completes engineering challenges most successfully.

According to Allison Clemons, Tom’s mother, he has always been interested in space travel and would like to eventually become an astronaut. After high school, he plans to get his engineering degree.