



IT was a day that some Oakfield youngsters won’t forget.
The chance to meet five real-life astronauts was the treat in store for our School Councillors.
In spectacular style, the team-of-five from Space Shuttle STS119 landed by helicopter at Gateshead International Stadium and were whisked to the famous sports arena in a limo.
The NASA crew’s visit yesterday is part of a two-day trip to make studying science, engineering and maths more exciting.
And it did just that for the 3000 strong audience who heard Astronaut Mission Commander Lee Archambault and crew members John Phillips, Steve Swanson, Tony Antonelli, and Joe Acaba, dressed in their blue mission jump suits, talk about how they flew to the International Space Station in March to carry out assembly work on board and completing three space walks.
The school has a stunning memento of the event – a photograph of everyone with the crew. Mrs Robson said “It was a fantastic day and gave a clear message that you can do what you want to do with a little hard work and by listening in class. This is what you can achieve.”
Organised by Gateshead Council, the crew’s visit is part of a wider series of events to celebrate 40 years since the original space landing.
And as the space shuttle retires in 2010, this could be the last visit to the UK by the astronauts.
Astronaut Steve Swanson said: “It’s fantastic to be in Gateshead. This trip is part of a UK tour to raise awareness of our work and to get kids studying science and inspire them to possibly go into space.”
The crew was impressed with the warm welcome they received from the children.
“This is the biggest crowd we’ve seen since we arrived and the kids are really enthusiastic,” added Steve “I always wanted to be an astronaut but it was a long road and I had to study and work hard to achieve my dream; going to university and achieving a PhD before getting a job at NASA.
“That’s why it’s important to get the message across to kids early that anything is possible if you put the effort in.”