Nasa astronaut visits George

Video

GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Dr Don Thomas, veteran National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) astronaut, scientist, author of Orbit of Discovery and pilot on a visit to the Garden Route, said twenty years ago he never thought that commercial space travel would take place in his lifetime.

"We are about a year or two away from sending the first passengers into space. South African-born Elon Musk will probably be the first to take the journey and the English business magnate, investor, author and philanthropist Richard Branson is also ready for the challenge," Thomas told the George Herald at his talk held at York High School on Thursday 20 September.

Thomas said his talks are aimed at empowering learners to take mathematics and science seriously as these subjects can open extraordinary opportunities for them.

Jade Williams (left), Annabelle McEwan, Cameron McEwan, Richard Williams and Peter Segon came to learn about space travel from former Nasa astronaut, Dr Don Thomas (centre).

Being an astronaut required many sacrifices as well as careful planning and maintaining specific routines including diet and exercise. "Learners are always surprised to hear that I was turned down three times by Nasa. But I never gave up on my dream and on my fourth attempt I was successful. Never give up, success takes time," said Thomas.

Thomas autographed every child's poster with a personal message. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz

During his 20 years at Nasa that included four historic shuttle missions, Dr Thomas logged over 1 040 hours of adventuring in space and completed 692 orbits of the earth. He led three spacewalks to install the centrepiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny laboratory. He has spent fifty-three days working and living in space. His last flight was in 2007. After his talk he answered some very interesting questions asked by the enthusiastic audience.

Watch a video below.