STUDENTS had the chance to meet a real-life spaceman and learn about space missions from a retired astronaut.

The year 9 Nunnery Wood High School pupils and teacher Alex Annis went to Nunnery Wood Primary School to meet Captain Winston Scott.

Captain Scott told them how he has spent a total of 24 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes in space, including three spacewalks totalling 19 hours and 26 minutes.

He was part of the team of astronauts who were sent to space in two very famous and televised missions: Endeavour and Columbia.

Captain Scott explained how fast they orbit the Earth – so much so that they experience 16 sunrises in 24 hours.

He also described the extreme temperature changes and how astronauts must adapt to such demanding conditions.

For example, they would be met by brilliant bright light and intense temperatures for 45 minutes before switching to pitch black, freezing conditions for the next 45 minutes.

The astronauts needed to wear a water suit to help them regulate their own temperature without which they would die.

The retired spaceman also described how the astronauts held their own version of the Olympics by creating events such as spinning astronauts with different nationalities competing against each other.

He told students how Capri Sun style drinks containers were designed for the first time for them to use in space before the design was then sold and used commercially.

Science teacher Mr Annis said: "All in all, this was an excellent opportunity and insight into something really different and inspiring.

Captain Scott had not come from a privileged background and, as a black man in America at the time, he achieved huge amounts, mainly through hard work, dedication and the desire to continually push himself to try new things.”

Lola Brothwell, pupil said, “I thought the trip was very exciting and I think that it is a moment I will never forget, Captain Scott was a very nice person and I hope he will continue to inspire young people all over the world for a long time in the future.”

The trip took place on November 15.