Bradford College

NASA Astronauts Land

Dressed in their blue mission jump suits, NASA astronauts brought all the excitement of space to Bradford today, when they touched down in Centenary Square.

Children from the city’s schools were thrilled when they got an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet six of the seven astronauts, who have just returned from an exhilarating space shuttle mission to the international space station.  This is an exclusive visit to Bradford - the only city in England to have been paid a visit by the astronauts during their world tour! What’s more the space shuttle retires in 2010, which could mean the last visit to be made by a space shuttle crew to the UK.

The astronauts aboard the space shuttle Discovery, blasted off in May 2008 for a 13 day mission to the international space station. The third space shuttle mission of the year to delivered the Kibo pressurized science laboratory to the international space station. 

The crew of the STS 124 mission was led by Navy Cmdr. Mark Kelly.   Mark explained how it felt, to lead the mission into space that NASA described as ‘nearest to perfect’ ever achieved.  Mark said:  “Well since it went really well, it felt really good. I had a really good team… very talented people and everything kind of came together really well.”  Navy Cmdr. Mark Kelly was joined on board Discovery by Pilot Ken Ham, Mission Specialists: Karen Nyberg, Ron Garan, Mike Fossum, Akihiko Hoshide and Garrett Reisman.

When asked, what aspect of the space mission he enjoyed the most, Mark replied: “There are so many different aspects I enjoyed.  The lift off is really exciting, a lot of vibration and flames coming out of the back of the space shuttle.  You go from zero to 17,500 miles an hour in eight and a half minutes.  Then you’re in orbit and you look down and you’re able to see the earth and you’re floating around so that’s great too!”

Mark continued:  “I enjoy being able to dock with the space station, (I do that manually looking out the window) to the end part of it, flying the space shuttle up to the space station. Then there’s the space walks from my two space walkers. It’s all different and it all has its own reasons for being exciting.”

Mission Specialist, Mike Fossum added:  “Mark and I have worked together before.  This is our second mission together in space.  I really enjoy the space walks. When you first do the space walk you are just utterly awestruck by how amazing it is.”   Images of space walks undertaken by Mike Fossum and a colleague were beamed around the globe during a previous mission and made worldwide headlines.

The visit planned over two-days has the message ‘You can do it!’ The job, which is dangerous, exciting and simply awe-inspiring, motivated audience members, both young and old from all walks of life – to aim higher and to keep working towards their dreams and ambitions.

When asked what Navy Cmdr. Mark Kelly’s family and friends thought about his career, Mark said:  “You know I’ve been doing this for about 12 years. This is my third flight, so for my kids its all got a little bit routine.  Their uncle Mike, (my twin brother), is also an astronaut, so they’ve been to Florida about five times to see space shuttle launches, and 5 times for landing.  So it’s like…. Oh we’re going to Florida again!”

When ask if you have to be good at Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) to become an astronaut.  Mark replied:   “Yeah, everyone in our office has either a background in engineering or some kind of science, we have some medical doctors – we even have a vet!  So you’ve got to have that background.  That’s kind of why where here to promote (SET).  The UK is part of the European Space Agency, we travel around the USA and come here to motivate young people to study Science, Engineering and Technology – it’s really important.” 

After a civic reception, the space shuttle crew visited Valley Parade to give an exciting and inspirational talk to primary school children about their remarkable mission!   The pupils were held captivated by tales of what it’s like to be an astronaut. To round off the thrilling occasion, the children were given the chance to ask the astronauts questions and have their photograph taken with the crew.

Byron Primary School children, Sabah and Uzair spoke of their delight at meeting the astronauts.  Ten year old Uzair said: “I could hardly sleep last night, I was just so excited.  One of the astronauts shook my hand and spoke to me.  He said: Are you alright buddy?”
9 year old Sabah added:  “I can’t believe I’ve had my photo taken with real astronauts!”

Byron Primary School Teacher, Kara Vernon commenting on the astronauts visit said:  “I think it’s really good that something like this comes to Bradford, to inspire our young ones to take up the sciences.  Helping them to get out there to show them what they can possibly achieve!” 

Later in the day the crew continue their voyage around Bradford with a trip to Bradford College’s Trinity Green campus.  Students and staff were enthralled as the NASA astronauts relived their mission to the international space station.

Karen Nyberg, the only female member of the Discovery crew was asked if she felt she’d inspired other women to enter careers in Science, Engineering and Technology.  Karen replied: “I hope I have!  Hopefully some of the girls here today may go on and study Science, Engineering and Technology.”

When asked what her family thought of her career, she replied:  “I think they’re excited about it… I think they’re proud.  They had a good time watching the launch.”

The event was organised by Bradford-based Space Connections and Bradford College, in conjunction with YES net - a network of providers of space activity– and supported by Yorkshire Forward.  The two day mission to Bradford included visits to Titus Salt School in Baildon, Thornton Grammar School and East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley.

A return trip to the stars was on the agenda for the afternoon, with a voyage to the Yorkshire Planetarium at Harewood House, followed by a banquet back in Bradford to end the visit.

Michele Sutton, Principal and Chief Executive of Bradford College, commenting on the astronauts visit said:  “It’s absolutely exciting and wonderful! I’ve met two cosmonauts before, but I’ve never met astronauts.  Its had such a positive impact on the image of Science, Engineering and Technology.  All these children, will now be made aware of what they can achieve, in terms of study and career opportunities.”

Michele continued:  “The astronauts have been fantastic! They’ve given up a lot of their time to spend with people.  I think, together with Yorkshire Forward and ourselves, we have actually done something wonderful for Bradford, something that’s never been done before - putting Bradford in the spotlight! 

Hashim Hashim, Head of Innovations from Bradford College, said: “Visits from people who work in different industries are really important for us as a College. They’re an excellent way of informing our students and staff about the real careers that are available out there. And even if our students aren’t all planning to go into space, the astronauts’ visit will send an important message about working hard to achieve your ambitions – whatever career or study path you choose to follow.”

Mike Bridge, Assistant Director of West Yorkshire from Yorkshire Forward said: “To have these astronauts visiting Yorkshire is a huge honour.  It will do a great deal to boost interest and enthusiasm among the young people of Bradford. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are already of vital importance to the region’s economy.  We need to make sure that young people continue to see these as stimulating and rewarding areas in terms of study and career options.

“The astronauts’ experiences will inspire everyone – children and adults alike – to follow their ambition and work hard to achieve their full potential.”

 Take a look at more photographs from the NASA Astronauts Visit