Astronaut Tim Peake landed at W5 in Belfast yesterday as part of his post-flight tour of the UK. Tim spent just over six months living and working onboard the International Space Station (ISS), after launching from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in December 2015.
Tim delivered a presentation at the children’s science and discovery centre, W5, and 200 excited school pupils heard his first-hand account about life onboard the ISS, including the important scientific experiments conducted during his mission.
SSE Airtricity, W5’s official Education Partner, along with Ulster University (UU), made it possible for ten lucky pupils from Belfast’s St Vincent De Paul and Glenwood primary schools, both participants in UU’s Step Up programme, to attend the event.
For one Glenwood pupil, Belfast boy Jay Gilmore, it was a special birthday treat.
“I was so happy to be part of our school's group and it was a really good day. We met Tim Peake and he even gave me a special badge he wore in space because it was my birthday.”
Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity General Manager (NI), commented:
“We partner with W5 to promote education and discovery. We recognise the importance of helping young children to embrace the world around them, and beyond them.
“What better way to promote ambition and learning in school pupils than to help them meet a renowned astronaut and explorer like Major Tim Peake. We’re delighted they enjoyed the day, and who knows, there may be a future astronaut among the pupils of St Vincent De Paul and Glenwood schools.”