A BRIGHT 10-year-old at Frithwood School won a special invitation to meet a team of astronauts, after impressing teachers with his maths and science skills.
Rafael d'Arce, a year six student at the school in Carew Road, Northwood, met Commander Kenneth Ham, of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Mission STS-132, and his five-man crew at the House of Commons on Tuesday last week.
The crew included a member from the UK, bio-meteorologist Piers Seller, and pilot of the Atlantis, Tony Antonelli (pictured with Rafael).
After a photo shoot with the crew, Rafael, together with children from other schools, was given a sneak preview of video clips of the astronauts on the International Space Station, before taking part in a discussion about their work.
The special visit was organised by Frithwood School teacher, Carol-Ann Buxton, whose cousin, Pat Norris, is also member of the Nasa space programme.
Mrs Buxton said: "Pat came to visit the school in October to speak to the pupils about his work and involvement with Nasa.
"The children were absolutely bowled over and Pat offered one student, with a gift for maths and science, the opportunity to meet the crew at the House of Commons.
"Rafael fitted the specification perfectly. He has a very high level of intelligence and is an exceptional student.
"We are very proud of his achievements."
Rafael, who is also a member of the school council, said: "I am really proud of myself.
"It was a great experience meeting the astronauts and the House of Commons was really beautiful, especially the Grand Hall."
But despite the excitement of the day, the brainy student has no intention of becoming an astronaut: "Maths and science are my favourite subjects but I wouldn't want to go into space as it seems like a very dangerous job and very high-risk. I would much rather become an astronomer or a scientist."
