Australian-born NASA astronaut Andrew Thomas will assist CSIRO Chief Executive Malcolm McIntosh propel the CSIRO Double Helix Science Club into its second decade.

At 2.50 on Monday 23rd September, Dr Thomas and Dr McIntosh - together with Double Helix members - will launch a PET rocket, from the lawn of CSIRO, Limestone Avenue, Canberra.

Media are invited to attend from 2.30.

Afternoon tea will be served, Dr Thomas will speak, and clowns from Telopea Park School will present a dynamic bubble-filled scientific experiment.

CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club was founded in 1986. It has more than twenty thousand mainly school-age members around Australia. Members receive a regular science magazine (The Helix) and take part in events, excursions and competitions.

Double Helix members also take part in major national experiments, collecting specimens and information on important species such as earthworms, fruit-flies, dung beetles and termites.

More information from: Rebecca Scott 06-2766639