National Space Centre Online

ANDRE IN SPACE

Andre in Space

After two years of intensive training, ESA astronaut André Kuipers is now counting down the final days towards his launch with the Soyuz TMA-03M spacecraft from Kazakhstan’s Steppe on 21 December.

For André and his fellow Soyuz crewmembers, NASA astronaut Don Pettit and Russian Oleg Kononenko, the launch is only the start of the adventure. Two days later they arrive at the International Space Station (ISS), a place they will call home for nearly five months.

During their time on the International Space Station André will be participating in lots of experiments and even speaking to School Children here in the UK, live at the National Space Station.

Now that is exciting in itself, but he could be talking to you!

Classroom in Space

For the Take Your Classroom into Space event, two experiments will be available for children at the National Space Centre to carry them out at the same time as André on the Station. Pupils will have the opportunity to compare their results with André’s.

The experiments will investigate the important role of gravity in convection and foam formation.

Get Involved

The National Space Centre will be linking live with the European Space Agency and the International Space Station in April (date to be confirmed) and we have an opportunity to ask him up to five questions.

We won't be asking the questions, you will!

If you would like to ask a question you can enter our competition to be in with a chance. The winners will get free entry for themselves, two classmates and a Teacher to come to the National Space Centre and ask their question live to an Astronaut in space!

PromISSe Mission

During the 5-month PromISSe mission, André will carry out an extensive programme of experiments, including studies in human research, biology, fluid science, material science, radiation and technology.

He will also conduct an important education programme, underlining how space activities can bring knowledge and benefits to our own spaceship, Earth. A series of lessons from space will educate children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ask an Astronaut

If you would like to ask a question to an Astronaut in space please read the following guidelines:

Personal questions or embarrassing questions will not be considered.
Questions relating to going to the bathroom etc in microgravity have previously been addressed and should be avoided.
As this is a scientific event scientific questions related to the activity stand a much higher chance of being selected.

Email your question to marketing@spacecentre.co.uk and title your email Andre in Space. Include your name, age, school name and teacher's name.