To Teesside and beyond – pupils on crash course to learn more about space exploration

Inquisitive school children were invited to Westminster to find out more about the importance of space exploration after they attended a unique event at Teesside University.

The University teamed up with the UK Space Agency to host an astronaut bootcamp, delivered as part of the Mission X programme.

Almost 100 pupils from Freebrough Academy in Brotton, Thornaby Academy and Manor Community Academy in Hartlepool attended the event which saw year 8 and 9 pupils experience the extreme cold of the University’s environmental chamber and weightlessness in the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool. They also tried their hand at rocket building, sampled freeze dried space food and tried on a real space suit for size.

Following the event, four year 7 pupils from Freebrough Academy, together with their science teacher Chris Morrison, were selected by the UK Space Agency to visit the Houses of Parliament and present to the parliamentary space committee, members of the UK Space Agency and the Astronomical Society. They also had the opportunity to hear ministers debate the importance of space exploration.

'We had a fantastic day and the students really enjoyed it and met some inspirational people,' said Chris.

The Mission X programme is a nationwide initiative providing students with more information about the science and technology behind space exploration and the healthy lifestyle required to pursue a career as an astronaut.

Jeremy Curtis, Head of Education for the UK Space Agency, said: 'The UK Space Agency is proud to support Mission X. Astronauts know the vital importance of physical training for mission success, and Mission X provides an exciting opportunity for UK students to learn from them and boost their health, fitness and science education.'

Abigail English, Recruitment Officer in Teesside University’s Department of External Relations, said: 'This is just the beginning of a series of projects with the UK Space Agency and we are looking forward to giving more young people in the North East the chance to take part in something so innovative and exciting.'

Rosalind Azouzi, Head of Skills and Careers at the Royal Aeronautical Society, is visiting Teesside University to talk about the exciting and diverse careers available in the aerospace industry. Taking place on Wednesday 11 March, from 3.00pm to 4.00pm, her talk is open to pupils and students interested in an aerospace career, from year 10 and 11 pupils, to sixth form and college students and current Teesside University students. For more information, or to book a place on the event, email A.English@tees.ac.uk.

---