Three astronauts recount life in the fast lane aboard US space shuttles

The topsy-turvy, slow-motion life on board US space shuttles was described eloquently in Dublin last night by three astronauts who have flown in them.

"You know you are going somewhere fast, you just don't know where," was how one described the experience.

Commanders Brian Duffy and Scott Kelly and Capt Winston Scott provided an entertaining glimpse into what it feels like to fly the shuttle.

Their public lecture was organised by The Royal Irish Academy and The Irish Times, and sponsored by FÁS as part of its Opportunities Fair at Croke Park.

The free public lecture included a long question-and-answer session afterwards, much of which was filled answering questions offered by the dozens of children who attended.

Commander Duffy commanded flight STS-92 to the International Space Station, and described in words and with a short film what it was like to lift-off on board the shuttle. Components of the station were put in place after four space walks, but when its return was delayed due to bad weather the crew took time to play baseball with a sweet and watch the scenery on Earth.

Capt Scott predicted there would be Irish astronauts in space by the time the first manned flight to Mars is attempted. Commander Kelly expressed confidence that the shuttles, grounded since the loss of Columbia in February 2003, would be flying this summer.