Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • NASA Astronaut and Cranfield Alumnus inspires local pupils

Space

NASA Astronaut and Cranfield Alumnus inspires local pupils

Last week, Cranfield University proudly welcomed back NASA astronaut and distinguished alumnus, Commander Jack Hathaway, for an unforgettable visit to a local school.

Image courtesy NASA / Josh Valcarcel

Commander Hathaway, who studied at Cranfield in 2014, visited Holywell School in Cranfield to speak with Year 5 pupils during an assembly.

Commander Hathaway shared his inspiring journey from serving as a Commander in the US Navy to training as a NASA astronaut. He spoke about his experiences preparing for future missions to the International Space Station and the Moon, offering the children a unique insight into the challenges and rewards of space exploration.

Advertisement
ODU RT

During the assembly, students enthusiastically quizzed Commander Hathaway about his career, his ambitions for space travel and what it takes to become an astronaut. He also judged a space-related competition that the pupils had completed in class, providing thoughtful feedback and encouragement to the children.

Commander Jack Hathaway said: “It was such a wonderful visit; the kids were so smart and articulate and they were excited to hear my story and I was excited to hear their questions and their stories. Certainly, a bunch of kids who have great plans for their lives.”

Professor Mark Westwood, Professor of Aeronautics and Head of Centre for Aeronautics at Cranfield University, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Commander Jack Hathaway back to Cranfield and to the local community.

“His story is incredibly inspiring and it was wonderful to see the children so engaged and excited to learn about space and STEM opportunities.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

The visit left a lasting impression on the pupils, sparking curiosity and excitement about space. It also reinforced the strong connection between Cranfield University, its alumni, and the local community.

Neil Colbourne, Head of Science at Holywell said: “Our Year 5 students had been learning about space and were excited to find out about Commander Hathaway’s journey to becoming a real astronaut. Dressed in his NASA uniform, he was inspirational. His message to ‘Dream big’ was perfect. As the students left the assembly and headed back to their lessons there was a sparkle in their eyes, a spring in their step and an ambition to reach for the stars. Mission accomplished.”

Commander Jack Hathaway is a NASA astronaut and a former Commander in the US Navy. Selected by NASA in 2021, he has completed rigorous astronaut training and is qualified for future missions to the International Space Station and the Moon. He is a proud alumnus of Cranfield University, where he studied in 2014 before embarking on his remarkable career in space exploration.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Pulsar Fusion set to conduct UK

Space

Pulsar Fusion set to conduct UK's first fusion space test

10 July 2025

Bletchley-based company Pulsar Fusion is set to become the first British company to test fusion propulsion hardware in space, with the technology having the potential to halve journey times to Mars and beyond.

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

Defence Space

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

10 July 2025

ALL.SPACE has revealed a major advancement in mobile satellite communications with the successful demonstration of Hydra MAX - the first network independent terminal of its kind to deliver ultra wideband communications to multiple satellites simultaneously.

Neo Space acquires UP42 from Airbus Defence and Space

Space

Neo Space acquires UP42 from Airbus Defence and Space

10 July 2025

Saudi Arabia's Neo Space Group (NSG) announced today that the company has completed its previously announced acquisition of UP42 GmbH, the Earth Observation (EO) platform previously owned by Airbus Defence and Space.

GKN Aerospace and ArianeGroup sign new Ariane 6 contract

Space

GKN Aerospace and ArianeGroup sign new Ariane 6 contract

9 July 2025

GKN Aerospace and ArianeGroup have signed a new Frame Contract for the operational phase of Ariane 6, securing Europe’s access to space for years to come and building on a partnership spanning over five decades.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Orbex pre-selected for European Launcher Challenge

Space

Orbex pre-selected for European Launcher Challenge

8 July 2025

Orbex, the UK-based orbital launch services company, has been pre-selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to take part in its prestigious European Launcher Challenge (ELC).

UK achieves silver at the International Youth Rocketry Championships

Space Events

UK achieves silver at the International Youth Rocketry Championships

7 July 2025

A team of four students from Teignmouth Community School in Devon came second in the International Youth Rocketry Championships, narrowly missing pole position in a nail-biting final.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT