North East schoolchildren to meet with astronauts as part of World Space Week event – Chronicle Live

Astronauts and NASA technicians will be taking part in a event which aims to encourage children from the North East to consider a future career within the space sector.

Schoolchildren and college students across the region will be taking part in STEMFest in Space, a free virtual event which will celebrates the many wonders of space, and explores the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning. The event will combine classroom and hands-on learning with fun, interactive activities throughout the day.

The event will coincide with World Space Week running from 4-10 October, and has been organised by North East STEM hub, run by RTC North.

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The schools taking part include: Benfield School and Longbenton High School in Newcastle, Deaf Hill Primary School and Bishop Barrington School in Durham, Eastlea Primary School and Corbridge Middle School in Northumberland, Harton Academy in South Tyneside, Hudson Road Primary School in Sunderland, Easterside Academy in Redcar and St. Augustines RC Primary School in Middlesbrough

From their classrooms, children will be able to talk with some of the biggest names in the international space industry, and meet real-life astronauts who want to peak young people's interest in space exploration, and help them to considering a career in this field when they are older.

Speakers confirmed for the event include: Chief Pilot of Virgin Galactic, Dave Mackay, who was one of two pilots on the Unity 22 test flight, which launched on 11 July 2021 and flew founder Richard Branson and three other mission specialists briefly into space.

Project and Technical Lead in NASAs Orion Program Vehicle Integration Office, Sarah Murray, will also be attending STEMfest in Space.

Along with working for NASA, Ms Murray has worked in flight control and astronaut training and was also chosen to lead the Columbia Recovery Office, launched after the fatal Space Shuttle Columbia accident in 2003. The accident occurred after the shuttle broke up as it returned to earth, killing all seven astronauts on board and forcing NASA to suspend all space shuttle flights for more than two years while it investigated the disaster.

Also joining as a speaker is Andy Aldrin, son of American astronaut and second man to walk on the moon, 'Buzz' Aldrin. Mr Aldrin is now President & CEO of the Aldrin Family Foundation, which offers educational tools and programs that excite and prepare the next generation to take on space.

Astronaut and the first Canadian to walk in space, Chris Hadfield is the latest speaker confirmed to be attending. Mr Hadfield is a huge name within the space sector and has flown two Space Shuttle missions and served as commander of the International Space Station.

Suzie Imber, an Associate Professor of Space Physics at the University of Leicester who specialises in an area of research known as Space Weather will also be at the event, as will the former Director of Education at NASAsKennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Jim Christensen.

Northumberland's very own Kielder Observatory will also be taking part. Known as one of the best places in the UK to look at stars, the observatory's expert in science communication, Finn Burridge, will be on hand to guide guests through the night sky in a digital tour of the constellations. If it's clear weather, there's also a opportunity to explore the night sky live.

Hosting the event is TV presenter and stage actor, Dallas Campbell, who starred in TV shows such as the Gadget Show on channel 5, and Bang Goes the Theory, a prime-time science show on BBC One.

Emma Foster, Y5 Teacher, Deaf Hill Primary School, Trimdon Station, said: "This is our second ever STEMFest in Space event and the children are psyched. We are studying Space this term and have built our lessons around space exploration.

"This is such an amazing opportunity for our pupils, who would never normally have an opportunity like this, to talk to leading experts in science, hopefully inspiring them to pursue a career in STEM. With the event being held virtually and free of charge, it has allowed us to get involved and we cannot wait."

Event organiser, Claire Willis, STEM Business Development Manager at RTC North, said: "We have organised a really exciting programme of presentations, discussions and activities that will appeal and engage young people and adults of all ages.

"Anyone interested in STEM or Space then this is the event for you. The response so far has been amazing and we have already received hundreds of registrations from schools, colleges and community groups right across the UK and worldwide.

Spacefest will run from 9.30am 7pm on Thursday, October 7.

Schools wanting to take part can book tickets here.

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North East schoolchildren to meet with astronauts as part of World Space Week event - Chronicle Live