The UK Space Agency is delighted to announce that it will be docking its 72 ft model rocket at Writers Square, Belfast, from July 20th to July 24th, bringing the awe-inspiring 'Space for Everyone’ tour to the region.
This exciting initiative aims to captivate and educate the next generation, showcasing the UK's flourishing space industry and the diverse array of career opportunities available.
Throughout the event, organisations including W5, Northern Ireland’s leading science and discovery centre, will be in attendance - highlighting the thriving space industry in Northern Ireland and beyond.
The Space for Everyone tour will serve as a beacon of inspiration, shedding light on the pivotal role that space plays in enhancing life on Earth. Visitors, including children, families, and teachers, will have the unique opportunity to witness first-hand how space technologies benefit our daily lives and gain insights into the continuous efforts to explore the great unknown.
UK Space Agency Deputy CEO, Ian Annett, said:
“Our Space for Everyone tour is an exciting opportunity for young people, and their parents and teachers, in Belfast to see first-hand what it is really like to work in the space sector and to learn about careers in this growing and exciting industry.
“The space sector requires various skills – many not traditionally associated with it – and champions inclusivity and the need for innovation.
“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, or even an astronaut, as there are a host of talents needed to bring space closer to our daily lives and improve our understanding of this critical part of the environment for the benefit of the planet and its people.”
Space for Everyone promises an immersive experience, incorporating state-of-the-art virtual reality headsets to provide unparalleled insights into what a launch from the UK looks like, and the job roles involved in making it happen. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore various interactive areas, learning about the crucial role of satellites and discovering the diverse career paths available within the UK space industry.
British astronaut Tim Peake said:
“The Space for Everyone tour will demonstrate the incredible capacity of space to inspire. It took thousands of people to make my mission to the International Space Station possible and there is a huge variety of careers on offer in space right here in the UK.
“I hope this activity sparks an interest in the future generations who will take our space sector to new heights.”
Admission to the tour is free, no booking required, and while the event is primarily targeted towards children aged 9 to 18, it is guaranteed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in individuals of all ages.
Mums, dads, grandparents, and next-door neighbours are all invited to participate and experience the excitement of the Space for Everyone tour.
The tour kicked off in Southampton in June and will visit a further five locations around the UK after Belfast, which will also play host to the UK Space Conference in November, providing a three-day platform to showcase emerging innovations and opportunities across the space sector in Northern Ireland and beyond.
For further information about the Space for Everyone tour, please visit https://spaceperson.co.uk/rocket-tour/ or follow @spacegovuk on social media.
The Space for Everyone tour will visit:
Belfast - Cathedral Gardens: 20-24 July
Aberdeen - Queens Links: 3-7 August
Newcastle - Times Square: 10-14 August
Hull - Queen Victoria Square: 17-21 August
Great Yarmouth - Sea Life Gardens: 24-28 August
Hastings - Hastings Pier: 31 August - 4 September