Astronauts on tour to inspire British schoolchildren

The US crew of the space shuttle Discovery embarked on an educational mission to inspire Britain's budding astronauts today.

The Nasa team of shuttle STS-119 recently returned from the International Space Station and plan to impart first-hand information to young people about their work in orbit.

Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry was the first stop on the UK tour for the crew, who were brought to this country by the International Space School Educational Trust.

The astronauts met around 800 schoolchildren from across Greater Manchester to speak about their space experiences - from eating and sleeping to walking.

Astronaut Mission Commander Lee Archambault said the aim was to encourage young people from inner city areas to fulfil their ambitions, and to promote the study of science, engineering and maths.

"Often in major metropolitan areas space travel and space exploration doesn't get a lot of the media attention it did 40 years ago when we put the first man on the moon, so we want to share that experience with as many schoolchildren as we can.

"We want to show these kids that if they study hard and learn their maths and science they'll have a future in space if that's what they want to do."

Children attending today's events devised their own 'lunar lunches' which would be suitable for consumption in space, and heard about the challenges of moving around in orbit.

"Food has come a long way since the days when we were walking on the moon. You have to try and eat it very carefully though - if you're not really careful the food will go in all different directions," Commander Archambault said.

"Moving is tricky too - it takes a lot of practice. You can be very clumsy and bump into a lot of things, and you can kick one of your buddies right in the eye." The commander, who returned from space three months ago, admitted it took time to adjust back to life on earth.

"You have to get used to gravity again - even after a short trip to space, your brain likes to think in zero gravity. Then you have to go back to work every morning, and the space flight is behind you."

Henry Cowell, 10, from St Francis primary school in Gorton, Greater Manchester, said he was beginning to consider a future career as an astronaut.

"I'm thinking about it more and more by the passing second. It looks like a really nice job to do.

"It's just amazing to meet guys who've been in space, and have our questions answered."

Cheyenne Mason, 10, from Armitage primary school in Ardwick, said her family would be "really happy" when they heard about her trip to the museum.

"They're going to be really glad that I've met astronauts. I don't think they'll believe me."

Later the crew will be guests of honour at a VIP reception in the museum's Air and Space Hall and will address an evening event open to the public.

The Discovery crew is set to visit Skipton, Newcastle and Gateshead later this week.