Help Lost & Found bartender Theo go to space and become an astronaut

Theo Russell is embarking on an exciting mission which could one day make his dream come true.

The 22-year-old from Knutsford has been selected from thousands of hopefuls all over the world to represent the UK on a prestigious course hosted in collaboration with Rice University and NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.

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Theo would love to become an astronaut (Image: Supplied)

The UK Space Agency has awarded him a partial scholarship towards the £20,000 cost of attending an International Space University’s Space Studies Programme in Houston, Texas.

Theo at Wallwood in Knutsford (Image: Supplied)

This intensive course designed for professionals embarking on a career in space offers a unique curriculum in all space disciplines, as well as hands-on education through workshops and professional visits.

“I feel honoured to have been chosen,” said Theo, who has to raise £3,500 to fund his flight, tuition fees, living expenses and other costs.

Theo inside a replica of the Columbus Module on board the International Space Station (Image: Supplied)

“My true passion is space.

“My goal is to start my own space company but I will also seek all opportunities to be an astronaut.”

Theo in front of the space suit worn by Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to walk in space (Image: Supplied)

This programme brings together 120 professionals from across the globe for eight weeks of international, interdisciplinary and intercultural exchanges and partnership opportunities.

The course takes off in June.

The former St Vincent De Paul Catholic Primary School pupil gained a first class honours Master of Engineering degree at Durham University last summer, specialising in mechanical, aeronautical and renewable disciplines.

Theo beside space pioneers, from the first organism sent to space, Laika the first dog and Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon (Image: Supplied)

In his third year, he helped to construct and launch a high altitude weather balloon 40km into the atmosphere.

It was while attending a student space conference that he first learned about the many private businesses and start-ups getting involved in the space industry.

Theo said: “A new era of space exploration has begun as there is a lot of private and public investment.

“As a child, I fondly remember looking up to the millions of stars in our night sky.

“I believed that space had limitless potential and that we were only just scratching the surface.

“I am certain humans will have a permanent presence on the moon by the end of this decade and Mars by 2040.

“I aim to pursue a career in sustainable space technology and exploration.”

Theo is looking forward to enriching tours to various new space businesses, such as Axiom Space, who aim to construct the world’s first commercial space station.

SpaceX, which is revolutionising space technology, is another company he will be visiting.

Theo said: “This programme will be a great opportunity to broaden my perspective of the sector and build deep and meaningful connections with many like-minded, talented individuals.”

The space enthusiast will also get the chance to meet astronauts from all over the world and listen to lectures by renowned experts.

“The entire programme is absolutely brilliant,” said Theo.

“I really cannot contain my excitement for this opportunity.

“I’m eager to learn interesting topics from space policy to human sciences which will be essential to build a successful new space business.

“To study a cutting edge curriculum written by space experts at the awe-inspiring epicentre of human spaceflight will be life changing.

“I am certain this will be a keystone experience to launch my career into space.”

Theo has moved back to live at home with parents Su and Mike, sister Emilia, 24, and brother Seb, 27.

“My family are all super supprtive my dreams and I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done for me,” said Theo, who is working as a bartender at Lost & Found, whilst he raises funds for his mission.

To support Theo visit gofund.me/5f9295eb.

Knutsford Lions president Paul Buttrick said: “This is the most exciting project I’ve seen for a long time.

“Theo is calling on local residents and businesses to support his mission.

“Every donation, no matter the size, brings Theo one step closer to his cosmic aspirations.”

Knutsford Lions has donated £200.