AN ASTRONAUT will be delivering an out-of-this world talk at the University of Reading this week.

Dr Steve Swanson will share his experiences as a former NASA astronaut and International Space Station (ISS) commander.

The event is being organised by the International Space School Educational Trust and will take place at the Palmer Building on Friday, November 23.

Yuhan Hu, a PhD student at the university and one of the organisers of the event, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for members of the public to hear first hand from an astronaut who has been at the forefront of NASA space missions.

"We are lucky to be able to welcome Dr Swanson to Reading to offer an insight into a career most of us can only dream about.”

Dr Swanson spent a total of almost 200 days in space and completed four spacewalks, totalling more than 26 hours.

He was a recipient of the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and retired in 2015.

A former software engineer, he has been on two space shuttle flights and an expedition to the ISS.

He has also served as a commander for the ISS and space shuttle missions.

Earlier this year, the university hosted a series of informal Pint of Science events showcasing its scientific research in numerous pubs in Reading.

Subjects included animal conservation, flood prevention, neuroscience and wearable technology.

Dr Swanson will visit Manchester, Cardiff, Exeter and Bristol, before concluding his tour in Reading.

Visit: pintofscience.co.uk for more information and to buy tickets.