Things to do at the National Space Centre in 2020

Published on: 28/01/20

Who would have thought that tucked away in the East Midlands we have a world-class facility dedicated to space science?

The National Space Centre was opened in 2001 and it’s distinctive ‘pillow tower’ (which houses the larger exhibits) has become a much-loved landmark of the region. The centre is not only a fantastic day out for anyone interested in space and astronomy, it’s also home to academics from the nearby Space Research Centre.

So whether you’ve got dreams of setting up a colony on Mars someday, or if you’re just a keen stargazer, there’s loads to see and do at the National Space Centre in Leicester. Here’s our round up of what’s going on in 2020:

Visit the UK’s largest planetarium

Named after the famous astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, the planetarium is the place to see incredible immersive shows – it’s a 360-degree experience! Continuing the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon last year, they are showing ‘CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story’. This tells the story of the Apollo program and the incredible feats of engineering and human endurance that resulted in man first stepping foot on the moon in 1959.

Science of the Time Lords

If you’re a sci-fi fan, you’ll love the exhibition they have on at the National Space Centre this January. Dedicated to the science behind the ever-popular Dr Who series, it’s a fun family weekend where fact meets fiction. Walk through the interior of the Tardis, experience a virtual reality tour of Dr Who’s world and see real costumes and characters from the show. Keep your eyes peeled for other themed events happening in 2020 on their website.

Take a tour into space

The Space Centre’s Into Space experience allows you to follow in the footsteps of astronauts on a journey into space. They have an amazingly realistic mockup of part of the International Space Station, as well as spacesuits that were actually used by astronauts. Find out more about what life is really like orbiting 250 miles above the earth, including how to go to the toilet!

Have an out-of-this-world birthday party!

What could be better for a space-obsessed child than a birthday party at the National Space Centre! The party packages include entrance to the centre, a specially decorated party space to have lunch, a hot or cold buffet and free adult tickets (one per 5 children).

Get up close to an actual space rocket!

The National Space Centre has loads of amazing artifacts on display, including Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets, both ballistic missiles used by the UK and USA. The rocket tower is also home to NASA’s Apollo Lunar Lander, which was the first and only crewed vehicle to land anywhere beyond Earth. You can even see what rocks from the Moon look like!

With so much to see and do, the National Space Centre is a unique day out for curious children and adults alike!

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