Pupils from six Cardiff schools will have the exciting opportunity to talk to the entire crew from NASA’s latest mission next week.
Astronaut Mission Commander Kenneth Ham and the six man crew of Space Shuttle Mission STS-132 will be visiting the city less than a month after their most recent mission.
The astronauts will talk about their experiences as space explorers and reflect on their time aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The May mission was the final assignment for Atlantis, and the purpose was to deliver vital equipment to the International Space Station such as a new docking port, antenna and the Mini – Research Module -1.
The visit has been organised by the International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET) which was established in 1998 with the aim of using space exploration as a means of engaging both pupils and teachers in science learning.
This is the latest of several visits to the capital’s schools by astronauts from NASA , which aims to use space travel to promote education, particularly in science, mathematics and engineering, and looks to motivate young people to have ambitions and fulfil their dreams.
On June 29, the entire crew, a first for Wales, including British born astronaut Piers Sellers will visit Fitzalan High, Whitchurch High, Cantonian High, Corpus Christi Roman Catholic High, Michaelston Community College and Glyn Derw High schools to deliver the message of a ‘Can Do’ attitude and encourage children from any background that through education and hard work they can aspire to achieve their dreams.
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway said: “We are delighted to welcome the astronauts from NASA to our schools again on June 29. This is a wonderful opportunity and similar visits in the past have proved an invaluable experience for the pupils. I am thrilled that we can continue to maintain a strong relationship with NASA here in Cardiff”.
