A Nasa astronaut who carried out critical repair works to the US space shuttle during a series of space walks has said he hopes that commercial space travel can become a reality.
Television audiences across the world watched Dr Stephen Robinson earlier this year as he repaired panels on the Discovery to enable the craft to return safely to earth. The astronaut who completed three space walks during the July mission was the guest of honour at yesterday's University of Limerick Science Festival.
He conceded that the crew of the shuttle were very apprehensive following the Columbia disaster but described the completion of the successful mission as a dream come true. He confirmed that Nasa will retire the space shuttle in five years' time and it hopes to complete approximately 19 more missions before then.
Nasa scientists are currently designing a dual-rocket system called the "crew exploration vehicle" to launch crews to the international space station and to the moon. The first launch of the new space craft which is designed like the Apollo moon rocket is expected in seven years.
Dr Robinson spoke of his hopes for future commercial space travel but admitted that cost and safety were huge considerations.
His appearance at the university was part of Science Week Ireland aimed at showcasing science and technology - particularly to young people deciding on future career paths.
When asked whether he thought there was life on other planets, Dr Robinson said it was a definite possibility but added that such life forms may not even be recognisable to human beings.