Science Students Over The Moon At Meeting Astronaut

Chris Prince / 15 May 2017 / Categories: News

Year 7, 8 and 9 students recently had the opportunity to meet a real-life astronaut.

The group visited sister school William Hulme’s Grammar School to take part in an audience with Michael Foale. Michael was the first Briton to perform a space walk and has spent more time in space than anyone else in the UK.

In front of a fascinated audience, Michael explained how he became an astronaut and talked about a number of his space shuttle missions, along with anecdotes about his time on the Mir and International Space Stations.

Michael showed the group a number of videos he recorded while spending time in space, going into detail about the challenge of living in zero gravity conditions and working in extremely confined spaces.

The floor was then opened up to questions, with students quizzing the astronaut on everything from his thoughts on the privatisation of space exploration to what qualifications would be needed to follow in his footsteps.

Head of Science Mr Campbell said: “We are incredibly privileged to have been able to meet and listen to Michael and I’m sure this is an experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

“Our students were greatly inspired by the visit and it could well represent the start of a very exciting career path for any one of them!”