Astronaut Tim Peake Chats with British School Students

Over the past few weeks Tim Peake’s status as the world’s first British ESA astronaut to live on board the International Space Station has shot him to sky high fame. Now, he’s giving pupils at Sandringham School in St Albans the thrill of a lifetime by chatting to them from outer space. The incredibly opportunity was made possible by a partnership between the Times Educational Supplement and European Space Agency. Organisers described the collaboration as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

From Sandringham to space in a matter of seconds

Broadcast live from the International Space Station, Peake tuned in to planet Earth as he flew overhead on Friday morning. The flyby was part of his six-month mission around the Earth. Over 100 schools signed up for the chance to chat with Peake, and Sandringham School received the honour of making first contact. Some students questioned Peake directly, while others sent in questions via social media. The project has been playfully dubbed ‘Cosmic Classroom’ and has been hailed as the "world's largest schools and space science event."

"We're sure pupils will suggest some interesting things for Tim to do to help him share his experience of living and working in space," said Jeremy Curtis, head of education at the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

Sparking new interest in space

Later in the year a trio of Norfolk schools and the University of East Anglia will get the chance to chat with Peake in 10-minute-long radio link conversations.

As well as giving students a treat, the project also hopes to inspire new interest in space travel. Peake is passionate about educating youngsters, with Curtis stating that the astronaut is "very keen to make sure that young people across the UK can play their part in his mission."

Universities play an integral role in scientific developments, and the contact between Tim Peake and the University of East Anglia will undoubtedly be an inspiring conversation. For more insight into the roles of universities in the scientific sphere, ‘The Royal Society of Chemistry Presents Blue Plaque to Southampton University on 40th Anniversary of Ground Breaking SERS Discovery’ is a fascinating read. It pays tribute to the institution’s recent National Chemical Landmark blue plaque award, a prestigious honour bestowed by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It was issued to mark the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, a technique that has revolutionised science. 

Image via Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credits: NASA HQ PHOTO