As we place more and more material in orbit, we are gradually running out of space and increasing the chance of a collision
that almost meant the immortal phrase, ‘Houston, we have a problem’ would have to be put to use. When scientist and astronaut Dr Shannon Walker eventually appeared on the screen, she enthralled the audience with her accounts of living on the space station and how even everyday tasks can send the unwary spinning around in the microgravity conditions. Having begun her career working on the robotics of the space shuttle in 1987, Dr Walker started her astronaut training in 2004 on both the Space Shuttle and ISS systems. After gruelling physiological preparation, gaining expertise in supersonic jet flight and water and wilderness survival, Dr Walker is
before discussing her work to share satellite data among the international community in the event of a natural disaster. She concluded with the sobering thought that, as we place more and more material in orbit, we are gradually running out of space and increasing the chance of a collision such as that depicted in the film Gravity (only with the correct Physics!). Jack Cox (Year 13), our first student speaker, talked about the 40-year Pioneer missions, focusing on the gold plaques carried by each satellite and the meaning behind the symbols used. It was a fascinating insight into the difficulties of communicating without any common means of understanding. Our second student, Shamil Amirov (Year 12), discussed Yuri Gagarin and his first bold flight around the Earth. It was fascinating and sad to hear how Yuri returned a hero of the people but, exhausted from the public appearances that came as a consequence of his fame, he was denied the chance to fly again until his untimely (and some say suspicious) death, when he was finally allowed back into the cockpit. While Shamil and Jack entertained everyone, the live link with NASA was established, despite teething problems
now qualified to fly aboard both the Shuttle and ISS and has also completed courses in robotics operation and extravehicular activity (aka going outside). On top of this, she has also found the time to learn Russian, as if all the rest was not enough. After graciously answering questions for over 40 minutes – starting with a number posed by boys who had won a competition to ask theirs – Dr Walker’s satellite time came to an end, leaving the crowd awed by her truly inspiring achievements, which were all the more impressive given her time as an astronaut was effectively a second career. So, whatever your age, it’s never too late to push your own boundaries.
Even everyday tasks can send the unwary spinning around in the microgravity conditions
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