SPACE explorer Don Thomas is coming to the city to talk about his time orbiting the earth.

A veteran of four space flights, he travelled in excess of 17 million miles at 17,500 miles per hour, when he became an astronaut in 1991.

Nick Deakin, who runs the not-for-profit Inspirespace Community Interest Company, has organised the event.

Mr Deakin said: “I’ve always had a love of science fiction films and comics and I remember watching the moon landing as a ten-year-old in 1969 in my parent’s living room.

“I was hooked.

“I want to inspire other people so have organised this event.

“He came to Worcester two years ago to tour schools and the children really loved him as he makes it fun while at the same time they are learning about science.

“Don will talk about gravity with such passion and he really gets the kids involved.

Mr Thomas retired from NASA in 2007, after spending the last years with the organisation as a scientist overseeing experiments on the International Space Station.

He is a pilot with over 800 hours flying as mission specialist in NASA T-38 jet aircraft and he has been awarded numerous medals, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, two NASA Exceptional Service Medals and four NASA Group Achievement Awards.

The event will take place at The Hive library in Worcester on Tuesday October 8, gathering at 6pm for a 7pm start.

Tickets available at: www.astronautevent.co.uk