Talking space with Evergreen Academy students

It was lift off at Evegreen Academy in Bothell Sept. 11. Astronaut Steven R. Swanson showed a film, slide show and answered questions about his recent space-shuttle mission on STS-119 Discovery.

By Andy Nystrom • September 11, 2009 3:10 pm
Astronaut Steven R. Swanson answers questions about his recent space-shuttle mission on STS-119 Discovery from Evergreen Academy students Friday morning. He encouraged the Bothell students to study math and science in order to become astronauts like him. On his mission — during which he and his fellow astronauts placed equipment on the space station — he noted: 'Sometimes
Astronaut Steven R. Swanson answers questions about his recent space-shuttle mission on STS-119 Discovery from Evergreen Academy students Friday morning. He encouraged the Bothell students to study math and science in order to become astronauts like him. On his mission — during which he and his fellow astronauts placed equipment on the space station — he noted: 'Sometimes

It was lift off at Evegreen Academy in Bothell Sept. 11.

Astronaut Steven R. Swanson showed a film, slide show and answered questions about his recent space-shuttle mission on STS-119 Discovery.

He encouraged the students to study math and science in order to become astronauts like him. On his mission — during which he and his fellow astronauts placed equipment on the space station — he noted: “Sometimes, you don’t want to work. Just sit there and look at the beautiful view.”

He spoke about the seven-member crew’s cooling suits, floating in the shuttle, bathroom facilities, contact with President Obama and more.

“He talked to us for about 45 minutes. That was a highlight for us to be able to talk to him,” said Swanson, as Obama said, “We appreciate you guys. We look forward to seeing you when you’re back on the ground” on tape in the background.

Swanson had a laugh when he answered a student’s question: “No, I didn’t see any aliens.”