NASA Space Shuttle astronauts land in Gateshead

Jul 9 2009 by Linda Richards, The Journal

“I like science and watching this made me keen to do more. It made me feel I would like to be an astronaut. It would be really fun floating with no gravity.”

Shiree Florence, 11, was as excited as her classmates. She said: “I’ve seen astronauts on the news and in documentaries but this was much better than the TV. It brought it to you what it must really be like.”

The school has a stunning memento of the event – a photograph of everyone with the crew. Deputy head Nicola Watson 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.”