Shuttle crew on schools mission
Updated on 06 July 2009
The US crew of the space shuttle Discovery will embark on an educational mission throughout Britain.
The Nasa team of shuttle STS-119 recently returned from the International Space Station and aim to inspire the nation's budding astronauts by providing first-hand information about their work in orbit.
Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry is the first stop on the UK tour for the crew, who were brought to this country by the International Space School Educational Trust.
The astronauts will meet schoolchildren from across Greater Manchester to speak about their space experiences - from eating and sleeping to walking.
Later the crew, led by Astronaut Mission Commander Lee Archambault, will be guests of honour at a VIP reception in the museum's Air and Space Hall and will address an evening event open to the public.
The astronauts aim to encourage young people in inner-city areas to fulfil their ambitions, and particularly to inspire them in subjects such as science, engineering and maths.
Museum director Steve Davies said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet astronauts, to find out first-hand what it is like to travel in space, and to learn about one of the world's most exciting projects - the International Space Station.
"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."
Chris Barber, director of the International Space School Education Trust, 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.
"Our trust aims to motivate young people with the Nasa 'You can do it' spirit to inspire them in science, engineering and maths."
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