Museum of Science and Industry

The latest crew of the Discovery Space Shuttle visited MOSI on Monday 6 July to launch their educational mission to the UK. The NASA team of shuttle STS-119, which is led by Astronaut Mission Commander Lee Archambault, recently returned from the International Space Station, and are in Britain to inspire the nation’s budding astronauts and give first-hand information about their work in space.  

MOSI is the first stop in the British tour by the astronaut crew, who have been brought to Britain by the International Space School Educational Trust. They will meet schoolchildren at MOSI and visit a school in Greater Manchester to speak about their experiences – from what it’s like to eat and sleep in space, to space walking. Later the crew will be guests of honour at a VIP reception in the museum’s Air and Space Hall and will address an evening event in MOSI for 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. Amongst the astronauts are two former teachers and an educationalist. 

Steve Davies, director of MOSI said: “This is a once in a life-time 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.”

The Discovery Crew will start their UK tour in Manchester on 6 July. On 7-10 July they will visit Skipton, Newcastle, Gateshead and Tyneside.   

For more information or images please call Sarah Roe on 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647 or Diane Inglis on Tel: 0161 606 0173.

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