Astronauts visit delayed

21/Sep/2007

The planned visit by NASA astronauts to the region has been delayed until Friday November 16.

Commander Scott Kelly and three crew mates on board the recent space shuttle Endeavour’s trip to the International Space Station will be touring North East schools delivering school lectures before taking their seats at the dinner hosted for Northern Businesses.

Organised by RTC North and sponsored by Aim Higher 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 of all, whether innovative business brains or young creative minds. This is just the latest in a series of positive contacts we are helping to foster between Northern businesses and NASA.”

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

Contacts: Jamie Ollivere at RTC North on Tel: 0191 5164400 or 07950566182

Notes to editor: RTC North is an independent innovation agency committed to helping business and society manage change. Excelling in the areas of technology transfer, business growth and innovation management, RTC North has worked with thousands of organisations since 1989 to create jobs, wealth and a better quality of life for the people of Northern England. Today the company employs over 60 people and has offices in Sunderland in the North East, Liverpool in the North West and Leeds in Yorkshire.