A WIRRAL science presenter has won a grant from the UK Space Agency to continue her podcasts about space exploration.

Sue Nelson, a former Wirral Grammar pupil who once wrote to NASA asking how to become an astronaut, produces the Space Boffins podcast along with fellow broadcaster and space enthusiast – and husband – Richard Hollingham.

The podcast has attracted an impressive list of contributors since its launch at the UK Space Conference 2011 in July, including astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman, acclaimed film-maker Chris Riley, and BBC science correspondent Jonathan Amos.

Space Boffins also made headlines after breaking the news that the Mullard Space Science Laboratory was going to try and re-establish contact with Prospero, the first and only British satellite to be launched from a British rocket.

Sue said: “We knew that there were people out there like us who wanted to hear about what’s happening in the world of space and space science, particularly from a UK perspective. And we were right.” The grant, worth £4,400, will allow the Space Boffins to carry on recording and promoting the podcast, seek new sponsors and build its audience.

THE podcast is currently available via Itunes or at www.audioboo.fm/spaceboffins