Astronauts to visit North East

13/Sep/2007

Astronauts from the International Space Station will touch down at venues across the region during a space roadshow on Monday September 24.

Commander Scott Kelly and the crew on board the space shuttle Endeavour - launched yesterday (August 08) - will deliver presentations to school pupils, host a public lecture and attend an evening dinner for the region’s business community during the first leg of their UK tour.

Organised by RTC North and sponsored by Aimhigher North East, the visit has been planned to encourage young people to study science and technology subjects and help them learn more about life in space.

Over 250 schools and up to 6000 students have already registered for the lectures during which pupils will learn about space travel and life on board the Space Station.

Guests attending the corporate dinner at the Stadium of Light will also hear presentations about the recent mission and get a closer look at the heavens inside a mobile planetarium.

RTC North managing director, Gordon Ollivere MBE, said:

“We are delighted to host the astronauts visit. Space technology is something that really captivates the imagination, especially among young people. This is just the latest in a series of positive contacts between NASA and the North East region.”

For more information on these events or to attend the evening dinner contact Alison Machin at RTC North on 0191 5164400 or email educationfutures@rtcnorth.co.uk

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