Physics students took part in a live international “galactic hang-out” with a spaceship pilot.

Why Go Into Space? was the main topic of the Virgin Galactic Hangout with Sam Branson, son of entrepreneur and adventurer Richard, who will be flying the Virgin Galactic Spaceship 2.

Also live on air were Will Pomerantz, who works for Virgin Galactic, and presenter Gavin Ovsak, the 2011 Google Science Fair finalist.

Preparations were made beforehand to ensure technology at St George’s School in Broadstairs, was suitable. This involved school science director of learner Jane Miller connecting with people in America to plan ahead.

Mrs Miller, science department members Kate Best and Dave Morgan, and eight physics students were on air.

The hangout started with an introduction and background on space flight.

It focused on space flight in the future. Pupils James Weston, Charlie Pindar and Adam Hobbs were invited to ask questions, watched live by people all over the world. They also had the opportunity to ask questions.

Mrs Miller said they looked forward to getting involved with further Virgin Galactic/Google Science Fair opportunities.

One student described the hangout as “insightful”, allowing him to see the topic from the perspective of a leading physicist as well as Sam Branson’s and “only strengthening and enriching my passion for science as a whole.”

Another commented that it was inspiring to question those at the frontline of space exploration.