An astronaut will be touching down in Central this week (Wednesday November 2).

NASA astronaut Dr Shannon Walker is visiting New Zealand to launch Tūhura Otago Museum’s new science showcase roadshow ‘Tūhura Tuarangi – Aotearoa in Space’ in Bluff.

After spending time in Bluff and Invercargill, she is undertaking a whirlwind tour involving community talks and school engagements in the lower South Island, including a visit to Central Otago.

“Tūhura Tuarangi is all about encouraging Kiwi kids to be inspired by the universe around us, learning how cool science and technology can be, and realising a career in space right here in Aotearoa New Zealand is entirely possible,” Tūhura Otago Museum roadshow developer Dr Andrew Mills said.

“There is nothing more inspiring than having an astronaut, who has ‘been there and done that’, speak in person to your school or community – it is just so great.”

Dr Walker has been on several NASA space missions, as the commander for a 167-day expedition on the International Space Station, and as a Mission Specialist with SpaceX Crew-1 on their Dragon spacecraft.

She said she was excited to be coming to share her experiences with students and the community.

Dr Walker is scheduled to spend Wednesday November 2 with rural schools in Central Otago, and give a public talk at the Maniototo Area School in Ranfurly at 2pm. The event is free to attend and no bookings are required.

Dr Mills said the Tūhura Tuarangi showcase, which will open in Bluff before going on a roadshow around the country - dates and locations to be confirmed -  includes many hands-on science interactives including a four-billion-year-old meteorite and virtual reality space tours.

“Between Dr Walker’s appearances and the Tūhura Tuarangi showcase itself, we hope that the public will be inspired by the possibilities that space-related endeavours offer and understand that success in space is ultimately underpinned by partnerships and collaborations that span nations, genders, and ethnicities,” he said.

“We want every Kiwi kid to reach for the stars, knowing they too can have a future in space.”

PHOTO: Supplied