A miniature book of poetry by Robert Burns will soon be jetting off into space, thanks to a group of Scottish school pupils.
The thumb-sized book of poetry was presented to the students by First Minister Alex Salmond MSP at Holyrood on Thursday 5th November. The students passed the book on to astronaut Nicholas Patrick, a crew member on the next shuttle mission (STS 130) scheduled for launch on 4th February 2010, when they met him at the welcome party on 6th November at the start of their 10-day study visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center.
The miniature book came from Alan Archibald of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, who is a distant relative of Burns’ wife Jean Armour.
On its return to earth it is hoped the book will be an exhibit in the new Burns Museum in Alloway when it opens in 2010.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “In the year of Homecoming, when we celebrate the global influence of Robert Burns, is it fantastic to see our national poet’s legacy travel even further.
“Launching this miniature book of Bard poems into space is an excellent way to highlight the many great contributions that Scotland has given to the world. Great Scottish minds have been at the forefront of innovation for centuries and our excellent reputation continues today.
“I would like to congratulate the successful students and wish them well on their journey. Taking part in this exciting adventure will stimulate their interest in science and technology and encourage them to consider building on these skills in their future careers.”
The ten students, all aged 16 and 17-years-old, will meet former and future astronauts, take part in simulated moon landings and learn how to build rockets. The trip is organised by the Scottish Space School which is delivered by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with Skills Development Scotland.
Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “The prospect of travelling into space has captured the imagination of an entire generation and the Scottish Space School has inspired thousands of young Scots to pursue careers in science and engineering by showing how the disciplines can be applied to solve everyday problems.
“The ten pupils chosen to travel to Houston will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading scientists and engineers. Being an engineer myself, we were honoured to welcome the engineers of the future to Strathclyde this year and the level of knowledge and enthusiasm shown by all of the students has been particularly encouraging.”
This is the sixth year the University has hosted the Scottish Space School to inspire young people from across Scotland to realise their dreams and highlight the career and educational opportunities available for those with an interest in science, engineering and technology.
Out of more than 300 applicants, 120 students were selected to attend a week-long residential course at the University in June 2009 before being whittled down to a shortlist of 37 who were put through their paces at a day-long interview and selection process, after which the final 10 were chosen.
