PHOTOS: Taunton student back on terra firma after 'walking on the moon' in US space centre

The 16-year-old tumbled in a space capsule and experienced a simulated moonwalk where her body weight was lowered by 20%.

Susanna, who was so inspired she is now considering a career in space and aviation, said: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to see what it’s like to walk on the moon and tumble in a space capsule.

"It was really hard to move forward, I was bouncing in one place and you have to use your arms to help you move.

"Before I went I wasn't thinking of a career in space and aviation but the trip was really cool and has made me think about that industry.

"It is a scary thought going into space but some of the images of the Earth from space are really awe inspiring.”

Susanna also got to experience simulated astronaut training including commanding a realistic shuttle mission in which she had to land a rocket and flying a Warhawk fighter jet simulator.

And she built cardboard rockets that they launched sky high, extracted DNA from bananas and strawberries, built model moon landers and rovers and role played a Tornado disaster search and rescue exercise.

Susanna said: “I really enjoyed the rocket simulator.

"I am definitely more confident now being thrown into work with strangers.”

She also got to meet retired NASA astronaut Hoot Gibson, who flew five missions in the 80s and 90s.

The programme Susanna took part in was the week-long Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy, in Huntsville, Alabama.

The US Space and Rocket Center is recognised as one of the most comprehensive U.S. manned space flight hardware museums in the world.