Relive Leicester space scientists journey on BBCs Astronauts series

From this weekend, you can relive the moments that led to a Leicester space scientist proving that she has what it takes to become an astronaut.

The six-part BBC show ‘Astronauts: Have You Got What It Takes?’ will be re-run on BBC 2 at 10am every Saturday from 12 May. The show saw Dr Suzie Imber, from our Department of Physics and Astronomy, fend off tough competition from 11 other exceptional candidates, chosen from thousands who applied, including scientists, engineers and pilots, to receive the ultimate reference – Chris Hadfield’s backing for her application when the space agency ESA next take on astronaut recruits.

As part of the programme, the candidates were put through a series of gruelling tests to find out who had the special qualities needed to be an astronaut using standards set by the world’s space agencies. They were assessed by astronaut and former Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield, along with former NASA medical researcher Dr Kevin Fong, and psychologist Dr Iya Whiteley.

During the series, the candidates had remarkable access to astronaut training facilities around the world including the state-of-the-art German Space Centre, a secret facility in Sweden and NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Watch the video below to hear more from Suzie herself, or catch her in ‘Astronauts: Have You Got What It Takes?’ from tomorrow at 10am on BBC 2: