UK Space Agency set to bring its tour to Newcastle city centre

The UK Space Agency will be docking its 72ft model rocket outside of the Life Science Centre, in Times Square, from Thursday, August 10, until Monday, August 14, as part of its ‘Space for Everyone’ tour.

It is part of an initiative which aims to “captivate and educate” the next generation with a diverse array of career opportunities available.

The event will also see the World Wide Fund for Nature with British Antarctic Survey (BAS), North East Space Cluster, University of Sunderland and AmbaSat all in attendance.

Visitors will have the opportunity to witness how space technologies benefit our daily lives and gain insights into the continuous efforts to explore the great unknown.

Matt Archer, Director of Launch at the UK Space Agency, has given an insight into what can be expected from the tour.

He said: “We’re delighted to bring Our Space for Everyone tour to Newcastle so young people and their families can learn not just about space, but also about the vibrant North East space sector and the exciting career opportunities available in the sector.”

“The space sector is diverse and requires people from all backgrounds and with a variety of skills – many not traditionally associated with it.

“The tour proves 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.”

Linda Conlon, Chief Executive at Life Science Centre, hopes that the tour will add to the already present space journey that is available at the Centre.

She added: “It’s great that the UK Space Agency’s Space for Everyone tour is coming to Times Square.

“We know that our visitors love everything about space and we’re anticipating that a lot of people will be coming to learn more about the range of opportunities in the UK space industry.

“Families will be able to continue their space journey inside the Life Science Centre, and experience what we believe is the biggest and most exciting range of space exhibits in the North of England.”

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Admission for the ‘Space for Everyone’ tour is free, with no booking required.

The event is targeted towards those aged between nine and 18 but is accessible for anyone to come along and get involved in the activities.