NASA in Aberdeen – Postponed

20 March, 2020

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THE NASA IN ABERDEEN ASTRONAUT & NASA ENGINEER WEEK OF EVENTS IN MARCH HAS BEEN POSTPONED

 

Having considered recent US travel guidance, NASA travel restrictions and Public Health England statement on 03/03/20 that “Widespread transmission of Coronavirus in the UK is now highly likely” the NASA in Aberdeen “Inspiring the next generation” steering committee have decided it is prudent to postpone the March 2020 visit of former NASA astronaut, William McArthur and engineer, Heather Paul.

 

Heather was a member of the mission support team for the 14th NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO 14) and is the lead engineer for the future spacesuit life support system design. Bill worked for NASA for almost three decades, logging 224 days and 22 hours in space over three space shuttle missions and at the International Space Station.

 

The week-long programme is organised jointly by the Society of Petroleum Engineers Aberdeen Section (SPE Aberdeen), the Energy Institute Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands branch, the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT), TechFest & Aberdeen Science Centre and it is hoped will be rearranged later in 2020 depending on Coronavirus travel guidance and schools curriculum schedules.

 

Colin Black, Carjon-NRG Ltd, managing director & NASA in Aberdeen chairman, said:

“This is disappointing as all the events were organized and sponsorship & support has been kindly provided by Apollo, BP, CNOOC, Equinor, Oceaneering, TAQA, Mearns & Gill, Robert Gordon College, Carjon-NRG and Skene House Apartments.

 

“However with 3,500 pupils, teachers, parents and general public due to attend NASA in Aberdeen events the steering committee felt that given travel and public health concerns around Coronavirus it was prudent to postpone and reschedule. There is an ongoing program of NASA in Aberdeen events throughout the year led by Aberdeen Science Centre & TechFest and these will continue as appropriate.

 

“The US based NASA Team of inspirational speakers are supportive of our postponement decision and will work with NASA in Aberdeen on a future visit, hopefully in 2020, as we continue to “Inspire the Next Generation of 21st Century Explorers”.