Like so many in the “space community” I was saddened to hear of the passing of Reg Turnill. He was the BBC’s aerospace correspondent but is best known for covering the American Space program throughout the 60s and 70s that he documents so well in his book Moonlandings: An eye witness account. He was the [...]
Episode 58: Astronauts Joe Engle and Ron Garan
The first interview in this episode is with astronaut Joe Engle was recorded during his visit to the UK in 2008. Joe Engle was at the front of the queue to go to the Moon when NASA cut its Apollo program. His place was taken by the geologist Harrison Schmitt on Apollo 17 – the last manned [...]
Episode 54: 23 July 2012 – Manchester Interplanetary Society and Stanley Davis
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The August 2012 edition of Spaceflight, the monthly magazine from the British Interplanetary Society carried an article where I discuss the Northwest of England’s contribution in Rocketry during the 1930s. An extended version of that article is available for free download on Astrotalkuk.org – here. So on to today’ episode. In 1937, two teenagers Harry [...]
Episode 53: 28th June 2012 – The Chinese Space program
Brian Harvey is a Dublin based writer, author, broadcaster and probably the most informed specialist on Chinese and Soviet/Russian space program in Ireland today. This conversation recorded during the Shenzhou-9 / Tiangong-1 mission orbiting the Earth with the three crew including the first Chinese female astronaut on-board. At the end of the interview Brian Harvey talks about the Space Cooperation Memorandum signed last week.
Episode 52: 7th June 2012: Michael Wood Historian and Gagarin’s visit to Manchester
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Historian Michael Wood’s documentary, The Great British Story – A People’s History, is currently being screened in the UK. Michael is from Manchester and was visiting Liverpool last weekend where he made time for this recording.
Episode 51: 5th June 2012: Profile – Author David Shayler
You know what it is like, you buy a book on a subject of interest and enjoy it. Later you see a book on a similar subject that you probably were not going to buy but do so because it is from that same author. Gradually, you end up with several books from that author in your collection.
David Shayler is one such author for me. During the Space Day event in Droitwich earlier this year organised by British Interplanetary Society West Midlands branch, I finally got to meet David. This is a short recording of our conversation I recorded then.
Transit of Venus and the Great British Story
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The last hour of so of the transit of Venus on 6th June 2012 will be visible during sunrise from northwest of England. The following links should answer most if not all your queries.
7th June 2012 Yuri Gagarin in Manchester – Chorlton History Group
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I will be speaking at the Chorlton History Group about Gagarin’s visit to Manchester on 12th July 1961. On his drive from the airport, Gagarin drove through Chorlton in his open top car – in the rain. The presentation will include a rare video (originally cine) film of Gagarin in Manchester and several unpublished photos. [...]
BIS Northern Meeting 19th May 2012,York – Final Update
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This is the final post before Saturday’s event. Currently there are about 35 of the 50 seats sold. You can still buy on line or take the chance and just turn up. I have “partnered” with the BBC and this event is now part of “The Great British Story“. If you have purchased a ticket [...]
Remembering the Manchester Interplanetary Society
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A plaque was unveiled by the Right Hon. Tony Lloyd MP in front of a packed room at the Clayton Vale Visitors centre yesterday. President Elect Alistair Scott from the British Interplanetary Society traveled up to Manchester to participate in this unique event to celebrate the contribution in rocket development made by the Manchester Interplanetary [...]
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