Meet an astronaut: NASA’s Steve Swanson at Manchester’s Urmston Grammar

Urmston Grammar School is an unlikely place to find an astronaut, but find one you will, if you head there one evening in November. Steve Swanson began his career as a software engineer for a phone company but worked his way up in the world of science to eventually become Commander of the International Space Station. During his long career with NASA, he accumulated 195 days, 15 hours, 41 minutes away from planet Earth and was awarded the Agency’s Exceptional Achievement Medal. And now as part of a UK-wide tour, Steve will regale audiences with his remarkable tales of shuttle missions, life in the ISS, and what it’s like to space walk. The event is organised by Pint of Science, a non-profit organisation run by volunteers who aim to make science accessible to the public. Look out for the group’s main event, which is coming up early next year.

Mon 19 Nov, Urmston Grammar School, Newton Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5UG, 6pm (doors), £18/£12, pintofscience.co.uk/events