“Science plays a significant role in how we carry out our day to day living. Even more interesting is how science can protect us from scientific disasters such as asteroid attacks and meteor showers. That is what I find fascinating about science,” says Olorato.

 

Born and raised in Mahikeng, he began his basic education at the local Sol Plaatje Primary School and went on to complete his schooling at the International School of South Africa.

 

The NWU’s campus at Mahikeng was the logical choice for the next phase of his education.After completing his undergraduate studies in computer science and electronics (with mathematics, physics and computer science majors), Olorato went on to complete his honours degree in astronomy and astrophysics with the University of Cape Town’s National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme.

 

Rising star

 

Now he is back at the NWU, studying for his master’s degree in space science as part of the South African graduate programme of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA).

 

In January 2016, Olorato was granted an opportunity to join the project as one of 11 Young Professionals Development Programme recruits.

 

He was subsequently selected as one of only three graduates from South Africa to attend the NASA Frontier Development Lab for six weeks in San Francisco.This opportunity meant that he could be counted among 12 individuals given the opportunity to work on NASA’s Asteroid Grand Challenge alongside academic and industry partners.

 

“Having the SKA project in our backyard is pretty cool but it is really awesome that we can train young scientists in the United States at NASA so that they can bring that knowledge back home,” Olorato says.

 

When not dreaming of space exploration and science developments, he enjoys listening to music and interacting with friends.

 

In case you’re wondering, his fascination with protecting the planet from asteroid attacks has nothing to do with John Green’s international bestseller, The Fault in our Stars. Starry eyed he may be about space but his interest is pure science.