Out-of-this-world activities to learn about life in space

Saturday night at the 2012 Herstmonceux Astronomy Festival. Looking across the site towards Domes A, B and C.JPET Museum at Night May13 SUS-150226-161658003

Published:10:00Sunday 11 October 2015

The Observatory Science Centre is launching an out-of-this-world programme to celebrate the upcoming mission of the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to the International Space Station.

Tim’s Destination Space programme is designed to inspire young minds with the wonder of space flight. Backed by the UK Space Agency, 20 science centres across the UK, including The Observatory Science Centre in Hertsmonceux, have joined forces with Tim Peake to provide children with this unique opportunity to learn about human space flight and life on the Space Station.

The Observatory Science Centre will be running a number of drop-in activities and family shows with experiments and explanations about life on the ISS, including what happens to an astronaut’s wee in space and how astronauts move around in space.

The Observatory will also have a life-sized replica of the Sokol spacesuit which will be worn by Tim on the flight to and from the ISS.

Dr Sandra Voss, science director at The Observatory Science Centre, said: “We are launching Destination Space on October 10 and are delighted to be taking part in this exciting programme.

“We will be running a number of events that will engage and inspire about Tim Peake’s mission.

As well as learning about Tim Peake’s work on the International Space Station, Destination Space also celebrates the work of the team behind Tim; there is a huge crew of people, from engineers, flight controllers, computer programmers and more who work to make space flight possible, and so this highlights all the fantastic career opportunities for young people within the science and space sectors.

Dr Penny Fidler, CEO of the Association of Space and Discovery Centres and director of Destination Space, said: “We want children and families to feel they are truly a part of Tim Peake’s exciting mission.

“His journey and time on the International Space Station provides a great opportunity to encourage children to be more curious, ask big questions and enjoy science.”

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