Kids take a space adventure with astronaut who has seen it all

It’s an out of this world opportunity most youngsters could only dream of – the chance to meet a real life astronaut.

School kids from Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire were among the pupils and students treated to a visit by former NASA astronaut, Tony Antonelli.

Tony was there to speak to the youngsters about his life aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery pilot on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station in 2009.

The event took place at the University of the West of Scotland as part of the week-long space school, Mission Discovery.

The activity-packed week brought together kids to take part in a range of science experiments – in the hope that theirs will be chosen to be tested in space by NASA astronauts.

Tony, a former NASA astronaut, said:“It has been a pleasure to meet participants of Mission Discovery at the University of the West of Scotland this week.

“The students have really impressed me during the week-long endeavour with their innovative and creative ideas, and it has been great to see the university supporting so many students onto the programme.

“It is an incredible opportunity to have your idea used as an experiment on the International Space Station, and it’s been fascinating to watch the ideas develop over the last few days. A huge well done must go to all involved.”