ASTRA, under Anthony Salisbury and ably assisted by ASTRA member David Baird plans to make an attempt later next year (2008) on the world aquajet (water rocket) world record attempt. The ES Mk.1 Water Rocket is the development rocket hopefully to top the world height record sometime in the coming year. The basic design was developed using a three dimensional modelling package “Solidworks” to assess the weight and structural integrity.
June 2008 - During 2008, North Lanarkshire Schools grew their unique schools competition. The North Lanarkshire Inter-School Rocketry Competition is, Co-Sponsored by ASTRA and The Airdrie and District Round Table. Four Schools took part in the event:Golfhill Primary School, Airdrie, St Patricks Primary School, Coatbridge, Woodlands Primary School, Cumbernauld and Greengairs Primary School, Greengairs. All teams of P7 Kids fought for the coveted Danny Kane Memorial Trophy and a whole host of other prizes and events. For more information please ASTRONAUTS LAND IN AIRDRIE
September 2007 - Airdrie Academy Secondary School, Airdrie.
Shuttle Astronauts Mario Runco & Chaiki Mukai recently came to Airdrie and ASTRA was there to greet them along with representitives from Careers Scotland and the pupils and staff of Airdrie Academy Secondary School.
The Astronauts presented their lecture to Year 4,5 &6 Science students at Airdrie Academy including pictures of the International Space Statio, The space shuttle and spectacular pictures of the Earth taken from space. After their lectures, pupils were invited to ask open questions of the Astronauts. For Further pictures of the day, please click here
ASTRA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS THE SCHWIGLHOFER TROPHY
August 2007 - Kelburn Country Park, Largs, Ayrshire.
ASTRA succeeded in the defence of the Schwiglhoffer trophy at the Internatonal Rocket Week, held in Kelburn Country Centre, Ayrshire, Scotland. This is ASTRA's third successive defense of the tropy.
The Tunguska event is believed to be the largest impact event on land in Earth's recent history; On the 100th anniversary of the impact this month, on the 27th June William Lawrie of the Airdrie branch of ASTRA will be examining the evidence and looking at the odds of it happening again. 
As the host with the most, the price is right for Mr Arthur Bannister to spin that astronomical wheel of fortune and to find out who's a mastermind and who's deal or no deal. Its all a bit of fun, so come along and enjoy. 
Project Apollo - On July 21st 1969 men walked on the Moon for 
As the Arts Centre will be closed for the Glasgow fair holiday fortnight, ASTRA will hold its meetings inside Airdrie Public Observatory. There we intend to get in some practice for the forthcoming International Rocket Week in Largs. Bring your 1½ litre bottle of fizzy pop, sellotape and paper. We will show you how to build and fly a rocket. 
'Planetary Probes'. On August 27th 1962 the USA launched Mariner 
Lyn Smith is the Chairman of the 
The first successful Moon probe was the Soviet
Luna 2, launched on September 12th 1959. After a long gap following the
Moon landings, lunar exploration resumed in the 1990s and is now in full
swing.
Chris and Lorna are long-standing ASTRA members and tonight they will provide a brief introduction to scopes, how they work and what you can expect to see with the different types. How to set them up, polar align and find your object. This is a practical lecture so bring your own scopes and questions. With the long winter nights just around the corner, give your observing a flying start this year. 
Chris & Lorna return after last weeks talk to show wWhat you can do with an old SLR 35mm camera and modern film. What you can record with the most basic equipment. More advanced driven photos using your telescope and a wee bit on digital archiving. Lavishly illustrated.
ASTRA are still confirming a speaker for tonight. Please keep an eye on the website for further information. 
Fancy a night at the theatre? Put away those telescopes for an evening and head back to those lazy hazy days of summer. Perhaps this will shorten the winter blues. See Arthur Bannister 
Fred Haise was one of the three Astronauts on-board the ill-fated Apollo 13 Spacecraft which crawled back to Earth on April 17th 1970. It was high drama in space and wasone of those moments when the whole world collectively held its breath. ASTRA are organising Transport, Tickets and accommodation in Leeds, Yorkshire via Aileen Malone (Airdrie Branch Secretary). Please 
On October 27th 1947, Chuck Yeager became the 
Do you want to use a telescope? Then come along to the first of the 2008-2009 ASTRA observing open evenings where members of the public are encouraged to use our array of telescopes to view planets and galaxies. Bring your own if you have one. Remember to wrap up warm and bring along a flask of tea as clear conditions inevitably mean cold conditions. Should the weather be overcast, we will have a video evening instead.
Alexei Leonov became the first man to walk in space. What makes it possible? Duncan Lunan explores the history and designs of spacesuits that allow Astronauts and Cosmonauts to safely survive in space. 
ASTRA will be in its usual festive spirit and fine fettle for the Annual and Christmas Dinner. Being held in Airdrie Arts Centre, Tickets are provisionally priced at £16 each. Please 
OK, We have all gorged on Turkey (Or Nut-Roast) and we are all feeling a bit bloated. Join ASTRA's Airdrie branch for their annual pub meeting. Provisionally, this will be a meet in the Robert Hamilton Pub, Bank Street, Airdrie at 7:30 - until we all fall down.
