From space to Sedgefield – space station astronauts visit County Durham schools

On Wednesday 30 June schools in and around County Durham will enjoy visits from members of the STS-132 shuttle crew; a team of astronauts who, just last month, spent a week docked at the International Space Station.

The crew, which includes the British-born NASA astronaut, Piers Sellers, is coming to County Durham courtesy of the North East Branch of the Institute of Physics (IOP) and County Durham Development Company, who feel the astronauts’ visit is an opportunity to share the wonder of science with pupils across the county.

The astronaut crew, along with their astronaut trainer and flight director, will disband early on Wednesday morning to visit schools where they will talk to approximately 3300 pupils about “space as inspiration” in seven different schools. 

A group of Fishburn Primary school pupils will also join Mission Commander Ken Ham to visit the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, based at the North East Technology Park, before taking part in the official opening of Phase 2 of the NETPark Incubator.

During their sessions in the schools, the astronauts will provide a high profile link between educational inspiration, scientific exploration and economic development.

Individual crew members will visit schools in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Castle, Durham, Easington, Chester-le-Street, Sedgefield and Darlington.

Alasdair Wilson, Chair of the Institute of Physics North East Branch, said, “This is a really exciting opportunity for students in the North East to hear what it’s like to be in space and to appreciate how the study of physics has made mankind’s adventures in space possible.”

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Durham County Council, said, “We are delighted to welcome the STS-132 shuttle crew to County Durham.  To see them at NETPark emphasises the role science and technology has to play in the region’s future. 

“It’s a perfect example for North East students of how studying subjects such as physics can open up fantastic opportunities on their own doorstep, across the world and, as in this case, beyond.”
 
During the evening the astronauts will share their experiences of space travel with a family audience of 400 at the Centre for Life, Newcastle.

The visit is part of a nationwide initiative by the International Space School Education Trust that hopes to “inculcate in our young people the NASA ‘you can do it’ spirit.”