Spaceport Cornwall's 'young launch crew' interviewed cast of Disney Pixar's Lightyear

It is ahead of the first ever space launch from UK soil this summer, from Newquay

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 17th Jun 2022
Last updated 17th Jun 2022

Young students who are involved with Spaceport Cornwall have been given the chance to interview the cast and crew of Disney Pixar's new film Lightyear.

The five youngsters from Cornwall were selected to report on the behind the scenes launch action as 'journalists' and UK space activity were invited to speak to the Hollywood stars.

Following attending a star-studded London premiere, the group got to interview A-listers Chris Evans (voice of Buzz Lightyear), Keke Palmer (voice of Izzy Hawthorne) and Taika Waititi (voice of Mo Morrison), Director Angus MacLane and Producer Galyn Susman alongside Britain’s Astronaut, Tim Peake who had a cameo in the film.

The new Lightyear film focuses on Buzz Lightyear and friends' journey through time and space with positive messaging around determination and learning through trial and error. Spaceport Cornwall bosses say these key themes are hugely resonant with new space as we enter the next era of exploration with world-changing technologies focused on Earth Observation and Environmental Intelligence being launched for the first time from Cornwall.

The cast and crew were able to share their passion towards the film and characters' attitudes to space travel and the Launch Crew were able to share their excitement at the upcoming historic mission.

Zoe Godfrey, Young Journalist: “I’m obsessed with learning about space and the opportunity to work with Spaceport Cornwall as a journalist on such a world-changing event is an absolute dream come true. On top of that, being invited to interview the cast and crew of Lightyear was mind blowing - it was the most incredible few days! The cast, the crew and Tim were all so much fun, and so lovely to us all and their answers were brilliant.”

Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall added: “Space is all about creating opportunity right now and in the future for the next generation. Inspiration comes in so many forms and I’m delighted our young Spaceport Cornwall Launch Crew journalists were offered this once in a lifetime moment. They were able to gain a glimpse into a unique world of media and entertainment where space is as fascinating to Hollywood stars as it is to us working at the forefront of the industry. We want to celebrate the fact that you don’t have to be an engineer or rocket scientist to both work in, and be excited about space exploration.”

Lightyear is all about inspiring generations with the wonders of space and Spaceport Cornwall’s key mission is to inspire the next generation by showcasing the opportunities that now lie on their doorstep. Space is becoming more accessible for all and these interviews celebrate the delight that it brings.

The countdown in on for the first ever space launch from UK soil, due to take place this summer from Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay.

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