MORE than 1,000 pupils from 7 schools in Severn Academies Educational Trust (SAET) were inspired following the visit of a veteran history-making astronaut.

The event hosted by SAET included hundreds of students from Baxter College and The Stourport High School & VIth Form College as well as pupils from five local primary schools - Hartlebury CE Primary, St Bartholomews CE Primary, Stourport Primary Academy, Wilden All Saints Primary and Wolverley Sebright CE Primary.  

The visit by Dr Michael Foale CBE gave students, staff and parents a fascinating insight into space exploration.

Dr Foale accumulated a total of 375 days in orbit in his career that spanned 26 years, working in NASA’s astronaut corps. He flew on six Space Shuttle missions.

He became the first British-born NASA astronaut and his experience included being Commander of the International Space Station (ISS), bringing the Hubble Space Telescope back to life and having a major role in saving the Russian ‘Mir’ Space Station as it tumbled out of control around the earth, following the only collision in outer space.

He also held a range of senior roles including Deputy Administrator at NASA Headquarters, Chief of the Astronaut Office Expedition Corps and Assistant Director of the Johnson Space Centre.

His visit was coordinated through the International Space School educational Trust and featured four presentations aimed at inspire and motivate the students.

Ian James, Director of Performance and Partnerships, Severn Academies Educational Trust, said: “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity provided a significant number of our students and members of our community with a fantastic insight into the dedication, commitment and endeavour of being an astrophysicist and NASA astronaut.

“Michael was truly inspirational and his visit has enabled a significant number of our school community to aspire to great things in their life.

“I am extremely grateful to Michael and also Chris Barber, Founder and Director of the International Space School Educational Trust, in making this event a reality.

“Thank you kindly to Worcestershire Aim Higher, Go Serve, Coniston Coaches and Aspens Services who provided support and sponsorship.”