An adult is using a Virtual Reality headset. A child and adult sit next to them.

UK in Space Festival

The National Space Centre is celebrating the UK in space.

  • 15th Sep 2024
  • Included in Annual Pass
  • All Activities Included
  • Suitable for Adults and Children

Book Now

  1. A child is looking into a telescope. They are situated in the National Space Centre's car park, with the Iconic 'Rocket Tower' seen in the background.

    UK in Space Festival

    Get hands on with real science, discover new missions heading to space, learn about the vibrant UK space industry and the career opportunities within it, hear inspiring speakers and meet our team of amazing Space Communicators and special guests.

    Book Now

Side on view of planetarium seating, with the screen brightly lit up.

Planetarium

Sit back and enjoy some our our award-winning planetarium shows in the UK's largest planetarium. 

We'll have a number of different shows on throughout the day and a special interactive talk - pick one to enjoy as part of your ticket.

  1. A 3D rendering of a close up of an Astronaut. There is a blurry reflection on their visor.

    Astronaut

    • Show times: 11,50, 14:30, 16:30 (subtitled)
    • Ages 5+

    The exploration of Space is the greatest endeavour that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut?

    Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer Space, from floating around the International Space Station to manoeuvring through microscopic regions of the human body.

  2. Open theatre curtains reveal the words 'The Great Solar System Adventure!'.

    The Great Solar System Adventure

    • Show times: 10:20. 13:50, 15:10
    • Ages 5+

    Join showman extraordinaire "The Great Schiaparelli" as he takes the audience on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium. 

    From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breathtaking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is. Be warned though, the Observatorium isn’t just for show. It will transport the audience right to the heart of some of the deadliest locations in our slice of the heavens. It’s going to take some fancy flying to get everyone back in one piece!

  3. The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium displays an image of fireworks and lanterns.

    Tour of the Night Sky

    • Show times: 11:10, 15:50
    • Ages 8+

    Using our immersive Planetarium, sit back and relax as we journey together through the wonders of the Universe. Your presenter will guide you around our night time sky and together you will look at the stars, visit planets and explore the mysteries of Space, in your own unique adventure. Vote for some of your favourite stops along the way, in this exciting and audience driven journey.

Members of the public observe a guest speaker giving a talk at the National Space Centre.

Talks

Head to our LIVE Space and Shuttle Suites to hear from our expert guest speakers. 

There's also a special interactive talk (ticketed) in the planetarium. 

  1. Jon Pugh

    Nanopore sequencing in space

    • Jonathan Pugh
    • Director of Nanopore Education, Oxford Nanopore Technologies
    • TBC

    Oxford Nanopore’s purpose is to enable anyone to generate biological insights, allowing us to strive for improvement of life on earth and beyond. In this talk, Jonathan will cover the use of nanopore sequencing terrestrially and in space, and the scientific questions this British-made technology is helping to answer.

  2. Mekhi Dhesi

    Astroscale – Tackling Space Junk & Cleaning Up the Orbital Highways

    • Dr. Mekhi Dhesi
    • SSA Strategy Lead, Astroscale Ltd.
    • TBC

    There are now over 130 million pieces of space debris in Earth’s orbit, and in-orbit collision risks are only increasing. The world depends critically on data and services provided by space, which are threatened by debris. In this talk, Dr Mekhi presents Astroscale’s mission to develop innovative technologies to tackle the space debris problem and support the long-term, sustainable use of space for future generations to come.

  3. Paul Meacham

    How to Build a Mars Rover

    • Paul Meacham
    • Chief Engineer, Airbus Defence & Space Ltd.
    • TBC

    Join Paul in this talk to uncover and explore the key questions that must be answered when designing, building and testing a Mars Rover, drawing examples from both the American and European Rover projects.

  4. Tom Kerrs

    Children’s Guide to the Night Sky

    • Tom Kerss
    • Astronomer and author
    • TBC

    Celebrate the launch of the Children’s Guide to the Night Sky, with 100 amazing things to find in space for budding astronomers. Join Tom to discover the what to see in the autumn sky, and how to get started stargazing with your eyes, binoculars or telescope.

  5. Silhouette of a person over a white background.

    More speakers to be announced...

    We'll be adding to our list of speakers - so come back here to find out who else will be speaking on the day.

Two presenters displaying models of rockets to a group of adults and children.

Activities

Join our science communication team and a whole host of supporting contributors throughout the evening to explore a range of different activities.

  1. DNA extraction de strawberry, grinded and strained from their physical form. The floating white inside the test tube indicate the DNA has completely separated.

    DNA Extraction

    • Oxford Nanopore Technologies
    • 10:00-17:00

    Join the team from Oxford Nanopore Technologies to observe and help extract DNA from pieces of fruit.

  2. Telescopes and daytime astronomy

    • Leicester Astronomical Society
    • 10:00-17:00

    Meet the Leicester Astronomical Society to find out more about stargazing and to look through their telescopes.

  3. Children's Guide to the Night Sky book, by Tom Kerss.

    Book Signing - Children's Guide to the Night Sky

    • Tom Kerss - Astronomer and author
    • TBC

    Grab a copy of 'Children's Guide to the Night Sky' and meet the author Tom Kerss to get your copy signed.

  4. Question mark post-it notes.

    More activities to be announced...

    We'll be adding to our list of activities - so come back here to find out what else will be going on throughout the day.

Event Supporters

Our thanks to all the companies and academic bodies who have attended and supported our previous UK in Space Festivals.

FAQs

All tickets are non-refundable.

All talks and activities are aimed at adults and families interested in science.
Children are welcome; however, parents/guardians need to decide if children are happy to attend accessible and engaging 30-minute talks. There will be lots of other activities for children to enjoy, as well as the National Space Centre's exhibition galleries and Rocket Tower. 

Official National Space Centre Photographers will be at the event and will have identification. Images and videos taken may be used on the National Space Centre website, our social media and in print where you may be identifiable. Please speak to a member of staff if you do not wish to be photographed