Adam Afriyie MP yesterday visited the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street – accompanied by six NASA Astronauts.

 

The crew of the final mission of the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery are touring the UK to mark the end of the Space Shuttle era.[1]  Discovery’s STS-133 mission earlier this year was the Shuttle’s 39^th and final flight.  The 11-day mission delivered critical supplies to the International Space Station.

  

Commenting on the visit to Number 10, Mr Afriyie said:

 

“It was an honour to meet six such illustrious figures with long and distinguished careers in space exploration.  They are a tremendous inspiration to children the world over.  Their “star power” inspires young people to study science subjects at school and pursue careers in science

 

“These are exciting times for the UK space sector.  It contributes £7.5bn each year to the UK economy.  It employs almost 25,000 people.  I hope the astronauts’ visit means we have some new aspiring astronauts in the UK.”

 

Editor’s notes:

      1.        Adam Afriyie MP was Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation from 2007-2010.

      2.        He is Chairman of the Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST), Chairman of the Parliamentary Space Committee Associate Parliamentary Group, President of the Conservative Technology Forum and a founder of Conservative Friends of Science.

      3.        Prior to becoming an MP in 2005, Mr Afriyie was a successful entrepreneur in the information services and technology sector.

      4.        Mr Afriyie’s website: http://www.adamafriyie.org/.

 

Contact Details:  Telephone: 020 7219 2005 Email: adam.afriyie.mp@parliament.uk

 

ENDS