A “SPACESHIP” landed at schools in the Keighley area at the end of term.

Students at Holy Family and Parkside schools were able to test themselves as potential astronauts in the Science Museum’s Space Descent bus.

They were also able to take a virtual-reality space flight inspired by British astronaut Tim Peake’s time on the International Space Station.

The double-decker bus is kitted out with training pods to allow students to test themselves as potential astronauts and then take a virtual-reality spaceflight.

At Holy Family School in Keighley, students were welcomed by staff from the Science Museum and set to work in the training pods top

The students went for a space-walk by standing in a capture-pod where, through fancy camera work and electronics, they saw themselves on screen wearing a spacesuit.

A school spokesman said: “The system used tracking technology so the movement of the suit on screen followed the movements the student was making.

“As they were space tourists the students were given chance to take selfies in front of the viewing window, just to prove that they really had been in space.

“It was then time for blast off as the newly-qualified astronauts went into the virtual reality lab and donned the VR kit to follow Tim Peake into space.”

Craig Baker, a member of the Holy Family School science team, said: “All the effort was worth it to hear the first student get off the bus saying ‘that was awesome.’ The rest of the day was just a bonus.”

The ‘Virtual Reality’ bus, sponsored by electronics manufacturer Samsung, aims to simulate life on board the International Space Station.

Dr Hayley Evans, head of science at Parkside School in Cullingworth, said students from different year groups took turns to visit the bus.

She said: “They were given the chance to follow in the footsteps of real astronauts as they train to go into space, live and work aboard the ISS and prepare for the descent to earth in the Soyuz capsule.

“They also had the chance to be fitted with a virtual space suit, explore interactive content on tablets and have a selfie form the viewing platform over earth.

“The students got to experience the descent of the Soyuz capsule from the ISS all the way back to earth.”