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Press Release - 23rd September 2010

The Royal Aeronautical Society is launching a challenge to young people in the United Kingdom that will give them the chance to meet British born NASA Astronaut, Dr Piers Sellers. The challenge is for the young people to explain how space exploration has inspired them. The winners will have the opportunity to share their story and be further inspired by meeting with Dr Piers Sellers, NASA Astronaut and veteran of three Shuttle Missions.

To widen the challenge as much as possible it has been split into three different age categories.

• In the group from 8 to10 years of age, the pupils are being challenged to submit a question they would like to ask an Astronaut.
• In the age group 11 to 14 the challenge is the pupils to write 300 words, or make a 3 minute video, about a space related event or achievement that has they have found inspirational.
• Finally in the age category 15 to 18 the challenge is to submit a longer written submission (500 words+) or a longer video (up to 4 minutes).

All entries will need to be submitted to the Royal Aeronautical Society for judging and the winners will subsequently be notified they will be meeting with Dr Sellers at the Society’s London headquarters, No 4 Hamilton Place. All entrants will receive complimentary student Membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Dr Sellers will deliver the prestigious 2010 Wilbur and Orville Wright Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society on December 9th, 2010. The 3 contest winners, each aged 8-11, 12- 14 or 15-18 will be given the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr Sellers for half an hour immediately before the lecture. The Challenge has been devised to encourage school pupils in the United Kingdom to become involved in space exploration and to promote the career opportunities in the aerospace sector and associated disciplines.

The key dates for entrants are as follows:
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW: SEE: http://www.aerosocietychannel.com/meet-an-astronaut
User content phase begins: 14/09/10
Entries close: 17/11/10 (adjusted)
Announcement of winning entries: 26/11/10
Wilbur and Orville Wright Dinner, date of winners meeting with Dr Sellers: 09/12/10

The Royal Aeronautical Society is seeking media partners to support the promotion of the Challenge. Press Partners will be given advance information and exclusive access for the photo opportunity with Dr Piers Sellers and the winners of the Challenge. If this is of interest please contact Sam Phillips on 020 7670 4371

- Ends -

Notes for Editors: About the Royal Aeronautical Society

The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community. Established in 1866 to further the art, science and engineering of aeronautics, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace ever since.

The Society promotes the highest professional standards in all aerospace disciplines and is a key provider of specialist information on aspects of aerospace. In addition the Society acts as a central forum for the exchange of ideas and plays a leading role in influencing opinion on aerospace matters. There are currently over 17,000 members of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 100+ countries; members meet regularly via the Society’s network of 60+ Branches and Divisions. More than 175 companies and organisations have become Corporate Partners of the Society while the Society also features 24 groups focusing on specialist areas with the aerospace industry. Every year the Society holds 400+ conferences, lectures and events.

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