Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • NASA Astronaut and Cranfield Alumnus inspires local pupils

Space

NASA Astronaut and Cranfield Alumnus inspires local pupils

Last week, Cranfield University proudly welcomed back NASA astronaut and distinguished alumnus, Commander Jack Hathaway, for an unforgettable visit to a local school.

Image courtesy NASA / Josh Valcarcel

Commander Hathaway, who studied at Cranfield in 2014, visited Holywell School in Cranfield to speak with Year 5 pupils during an assembly.

Commander Hathaway shared his inspiring journey from serving as a Commander in the US Navy to training as a NASA astronaut. He spoke about his experiences preparing for future missions to the International Space Station and the Moon, offering the children a unique insight into the challenges and rewards of space exploration.

Advertisement
ODU RT

During the assembly, students enthusiastically quizzed Commander Hathaway about his career, his ambitions for space travel and what it takes to become an astronaut. He also judged a space-related competition that the pupils had completed in class, providing thoughtful feedback and encouragement to the children.

Commander Jack Hathaway said: “It was such a wonderful visit; the kids were so smart and articulate and they were excited to hear my story and I was excited to hear their questions and their stories. Certainly, a bunch of kids who have great plans for their lives.”

Professor Mark Westwood, Professor of Aeronautics and Head of Centre for Aeronautics at Cranfield University, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Commander Jack Hathaway back to Cranfield and to the local community.

“His story is incredibly inspiring and it was wonderful to see the children so engaged and excited to learn about space and STEM opportunities.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

The visit left a lasting impression on the pupils, sparking curiosity and excitement about space. It also reinforced the strong connection between Cranfield University, its alumni, and the local community.

Neil Colbourne, Head of Science at Holywell said: “Our Year 5 students had been learning about space and were excited to find out about Commander Hathaway’s journey to becoming a real astronaut. Dressed in his NASA uniform, he was inspirational. His message to ‘Dream big’ was perfect. As the students left the assembly and headed back to their lessons there was a sparkle in their eyes, a spring in their step and an ambition to reach for the stars. Mission accomplished.”

Commander Jack Hathaway is a NASA astronaut and a former Commander in the US Navy. Selected by NASA in 2021, he has completed rigorous astronaut training and is qualified for future missions to the International Space Station and the Moon. He is a proud alumnus of Cranfield University, where he studied in 2014 before embarking on his remarkable career in space exploration.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
British satellite to be first to map Earth’s forests in 3D

Space

British satellite to be first to map Earth’s forests in 3D

25 April 2025

A satellite developed by British academics and engineers is set to become the first in the world to measure the condition of the Earth’s forests from space.

ACES docked with ISS

Space

ACES docked with ISS

22 April 2025

Following its Falcon 9 launch from Kennedy Space Center, the Airbus-built ACES (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space) has now docked with the International Space Station (ISS).

New scientific experiments and supplies delivered to ISS

Space

New scientific experiments and supplies delivered to ISS

22 April 2025

Following the successful launch of NASA's SpaceX 32nd Commercial Resupply Services mission, new scientific experiments and supplies are being delivered to the International Space Station (ISS).

CGI VirtualFlightRecorder to enhance aviation safety

Aerospace Space

CGI VirtualFlightRecorder to enhance aviation safety

15 April 2025

CGI today announced an expansion of the Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) initiative, developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) under the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK and Cyprus strengthen space ties

Space

UK and Cyprus strengthen space ties

14 April 2025

Cyprus and the UK are set to collaborate more closely on space activities following a bilateral event held in Nicosia on 27th-28th March.

Hidden galaxies may hold answers about Universe

Space

Hidden galaxies may hold answers about Universe

10 April 2025

A team of scientists led by RAL Space, operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Imperial College London, has created the deepest ever image of the Universe in long far-infrared wavelengths, using newly processed data from the Herschel Space Observatory to reveal almost 2,000 distant galaxies, that could help answer key ...

Advertisement
DSEI 2025