Space walker launches career fest
Updated on 11 June 2007
One of the pioneers of space exploration will be touching down in Scotland's biggest city on Monday.
Former Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, who was the first man in history to complete a space walk, is helping to launch Careers Scotland's Festival of Science in Glasgow.
The 73-year-old will be one of several space experts visiting the Glasgow Science Centre to advise and inspire children making career and further education choices.
Also dropping in is Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, from Nasa's current space exploration team, and more than a dozen other Nasa engineers and technicians.
The festival is part of Careers Scotland's Space School initiative, aimed at encouraging young people to consider careers in science and technology.
It comprises a two-week programme of events across Scotland which will see the space explorers visit schools and speak to pupils.
Alex Blackwood, head of enterprise in education at Careers Scotland, said: "It's a truly unique opportunity for the young people and children who take part.
"It's our aim to give every young person the confidence and motivation to reach for the stars and to extend their horizons and make inspiring career decisions."
Leonov made his historic space walk in 1965, during which he was tethered to his space craft for 12 minutes.
He went on to serve as the Soviet Union's chief cosmonaut between 1976 and 1982. During his visit, Leonov will make some arrangements for the Association of Space Explorers conference, to be held in Edinburgh this September.
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