BBC drops in at Tonbridge for Mission Discovery

The BBC’s flagship regional news programme South East Today paid a visit to Tonbridge School on Monday (18 March) for the start of Mission Discovery Week.

The BBC spent the morning at the school’s Barton Science Centre learning about the various space-themed competitions that students will be taking part in this week. 

BBC reporter James Neish interviewed NASA astronauts and former International Space Station commanders Dr Michael Foale CBE, the first British-born NASA astronaut, and Dr Steve Swanson. He also spoke to pupils about what it was like being part of the Mission Discovery programme.

The creation of ISSET, the International Space School Educational Trust, Mission Discovery gives pupils from various schools the chance to work with astronauts and with world-renowned scientists. Throughout the week students also learn about the importance of teamwork, public speaking and communication skills.

Dr Foale told the BBC: “All human activity that we value comes out of teams working together … (to succeed) takes enthusiasm, curiosity and dreams.” 

The winning science experiment picked by the judges will be launched to the International Space Station, where it will be carried out by the astronauts aboard the ISS. 

Tonbridge is the first UK school to be hosting the event, with pupils from The Marsh Academy, The Judd School, The Skinners’ School, Skinners’ Academy, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School and Weald of Kent Grammar School also taking part.

Watch the BBC South East Today clip.

Pictured above: NASA astronauts Dr Michael Foale (left) and Dr Steve Swanson.

Other pictures from the first day of Mission Discovery are below.