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Before Helen adventures into the sky, she was working as a chemist for Mars, the chocolate company, when she heard a radio advert broadcasting a simple request: “Astronaut wanted, no experience necessary.” She replied, one among 13,000 hopefuls, and after a rigorous selection process was picked to become the first Briton in space.

Following 18 months of intensive flight training in Star City near Moscow, on the 18 May 1991 she squeezed into a Soviet Soyuz TM-12 space capsule, and launched into space.

During the talk, Helen shared insider knowledge of her mission to Mir, describing the launch, how weightlessness feels, and what it is really like living and working in space. Helen also spoke about readjusting to life back on Earth, and the years that have followed since her once in a lifetime trip to the stars.

“We were absolutely delighted and honoured to welcome Helen Sharman to the National Waterfront Museum on Saturday,” said Events Officer, Miranda Berry. “She wowed the audience with her mesmerising stories and gave a real favour of what it was really like living and working in space and all that goes with it.”

Speaking about the event, Helen Sharman said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Swansea and visiting the Wales in Space exhibition. It’s a pleasure to share my experiences about what it’s like to be an astronaut and it was lovely to meet so many people, including some Welsh astronauts and scientists of the future!”

Helen’s agent, Diana Boulter of DBA Speakers, was delighted with the evening, she said: “Knowing about the importance of Wales in the history of space, I was especially pleased that Helen could make time to come to Swansea. The National Waterfront Museum was a perfect location and everyone was so helpful. Congratulations on a stellar success!”

ENDS

Notes to editor

• For more information contact Marie Szymonski on (029) 2057 3616.