Lovell Lecture

An interesting Lovell Lecture at Jodrell Bank, John McFall in conversation with the Centre’s Director of Engagement Professor Teresa Anderson.

John McFall’s two passions as a youngster were science and sport, and his ambition was to join the Army. An accident in Thailand at the age of 19 resulted in the loss of a lower limb which put paid to that ambition. He then became a Paralympian, winning a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics, then commenced medical training in his late 20’s, and after graduating became an orthopaedic surgeon. Then an opportunity arose through the European Space Agency who wanted to select a disabled person for possible future space missions. He got through the selection process, and then an 18 month rigorous process of testing (which also involved NASA), so has a real possibility of being chosen as one of the astronauts for a mission aboard the International Space Station from 2027.

It was a fascinating discussion assisted by good questions including from the audience. A full house, as seems to be the norm for these events.

Extra - the radio telescope. As we were waiting for the tape across the barrier to be lifted it was slowly rotating around to point at the section of the night sky of interest tonight.