The sky will virtually become the limit for a schoolgirl when she joins a select group of science students for a two-week visit to Nasa in California next week.
Fifteen-year-old Nomathemba Kontyo, a Grade 11 pupil at Fezeka High School in Gugulethu, Cape Town, is one of the winners of an international essay-writing competition about Mars and other celestial bodies.
On Thursday she was paid flying visits by a number of dignitaries, including President Thabo Mbeki, Education Minister Kader Asmal and the United States ambassador.
At a send-off function organised by Nomathemba's school, visiting Nasa scientist Hildreth Walker said that of the 500 essays submitted by pupils from around the world, 36 finalists were asked to motivate why they should be selected.
"Based on their responses, which were all very good, 16 were chosen, and one of them was Nomathemba. One of the things she will do during her stay is to help scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, operate the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity," Walker said.
The US consulate's public affairs department said the project formed part of Nasa's Mars Exploration Rover mission.
Nomathemba, who will fly to Pasadena on Tuesday, said she was excited about the trip and looking forward to the experience.
"President Mbeki's visit was something special and is an occasion I will never forget."
"I live in an impoverished community, and being part of the mission will show that women can achieve anything they put their minds to. It will also show learners from similar environments that, through dedication and hard work, everything and anything is possible," she said.
Asmal said: "In our efforts to achieve our goals of education for all in South Africa, we often talk about the importance of studying maths, science and technology. Nomathemba does not just talk about it."
Her grandmother, Sheila Kontyo, said: "She is a humble child who had always showed signs of brilliance. Her achievement is not a surprise for me because she is very different. While other children are playing outside, you will always find Nomathemba buried in books."