Astronauts on voyage of Discovery

NASA astronauts Dominic A. Antonelli and Steve Swanson with Joshua Ellis, 13, from Manchester Grammar School

Astronauts from the space shuttle Discovery have launched a mission in Manchester to encourage youngsters to aim high at school.

The crew of Shuttle STS-119 touched down at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) on the first stop of a UK tour (6 July 2009).

They talked to school pupils about their experiences of space travel.

The aim of the tour is to inspire young people in subjects such as maths, science and engineering.

Astronaut Mission Commander Lee Archambault flew the Shuttle on its return to Earth in March 2009 and is leading the Discovery crew on its UK tour.

"You get one shot to do it, do it right, put it on the runway" - Commander Lee Archambault

"It was the most exciting landing of my 24-year air force career," he said. "It's a 200,000 lb glider at that point but it's something that we're very, very well trained for.

Adding: "You get one shot to do it, do it right, put it on the runway and that's why they made me practice 1500 times before I did it this one time."

Space

Despite the heroic image of astronauts, Commander Archambault said many youngsters were turned off subjects like science and maths, which are key to space exploration.

"As a young child growing up in Chicago around the time of the moon landings 40 years ago, there was a huge interest [in the space programme]. However, since then, the interest around the world has waned a bit.

"So it's part of our job, not only to fly in space, but also to get out and share the experience and the gains that have come out of the space programme."

Commander Archambault and other Shuttle crew took questions from dozens of invited youngsters at a special event at MOSI on Monday 6 July.

Museum director Steve Davies said it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear first-hand what it is like to travel in space.

"We're delighted to have the STS-119 shuttle crew here at the museum and hope that meeting schoolchildren in Manchester will be a fantastic opportunity to inspire young people to aim high and follow their career dreams."

The Discovery crew have been brought to to the UK by the International Space School Education Trust (ISSET) to inspire young people in inner-city areas in subjects such as science, engineering and maths.

Director of the Trust Chris Barber,said: "Astronauts have to be the ultimate modern heroes as space travel is the classic example of pushing your boundaries and realising your most daring ambitions."

For more information on The Discovery Crew UK tour, visit the ISSET website.