ASTRA

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ASTRA

History

The Association was formed in 1953 by Oscar Schwiglhofer, a former student of Professor Hemann Oberth, who was our first honorary member. The group began as a Scottish branch of the British Interplanetary Society (B.I.S.), before becoming independent as ASTRA, (Association in Scotland To Research into Astronautics), in 1963, and becoming a charitable company limited by guarantee in 1976.

A detailed webpage of ASTRA's history is available on a separate part of this website.

Objectives

ASTRA's objectives are to:

Stimulate and further public interest in all aspects of space research. This objective is carried out via a number of different activities, including public meetings/lectures, exhibitions and publications.

Engage in practical research into astronautics. ASTRA has been involved in a number of practical projects, including Amateur Rocketry, Astronomy, a satellite tracking station and Waverider re-entry vehicle.

Branch Activities

In the past ASTRA has had a number of branches based in different parts of the country. Currently there are two active branches, one in Glasgow, which usually meets once a month and the Airdrie branch, which meets every Friday evening at the Airdrie Arts Centre in Anderson Street. The Airdrie branch covers basically the geographical area of Monklands.

Exhibitions: ongoing since the 1970's. This activity has mainly been supported by Duncan Lunan, the society's President. ASTRA exhibitions have been held at the Edinburgh International Science Festival, World Science Fiction Conventions (Worldcons), Airdrie Public Observatory and the Coats Observatory in Paisley.

Solar Sails: A continuing study of design and applications of the 'Solaris' sail.

Waverider re-entry vehicle: designed by Professor Terence Nonweiler, a New Zealander working at the University of Glasgow, for the British Space Programme - which was cancelled in 1960. Since the Royal Aircraft Establishment ceased research on the Waverider, ASTRA has continued to keep the concept alive, which included raising the interest of NASA and JPL in Waverider. In 1990 the University of Maryland hosted the first International Waverider Conference, co-sponsored by NASA. Wind tunnel tests were conducted successfully by McDonnell-Douglas in 1993.

Support

Funding for ASTRA activities comes from a number of sources. A grant from North Lanarkshire District Council covers costs for guest speakers at astronomy lectures given at the Airdrie meetings. The rest of the societies funding comes from membership subscriptions, sponsorships and donations.

Membership details can also be obtained from George McCue. Currently the full membership rate is £15 per annum (January to December), £10 for students in full time education and any person who is unwaged. There is also a junior membership rate of £5 for young people under the age of 18, as well as a family membership for £23.

As a charity ASTRA is always pleased to welcome new members who are interested in supporting our aims and objectives.