Leicester’s growing role within Britain’s space economy will take centre stage this month when scientists, engineers, technology businesses and broadcasters gather for a major industry festival.
The UK in Space Festival will return to the National Space Centre on Sunday, September 20, bringing together experts working in satellite technology, planetary science, astronomy, communications and space sustainability.
Broadcaster and author Dallas Campbell will lead a programme of talks, live demonstrations, workshops and interactive experiences intended to showcase the diversity of the UK space sector and inspire its future workforce.
As well as appealing to families and space enthusiasts, the event will provide an opportunity for people of different ages and career stages to meet scientists, academics and engineers and learn about the skills and training routes required by the industry.
Leicester’s Space Expertise in the Spotlight
The festival will highlight the research and commercial expertise already based in Leicester and the wider Midlands.
Local scientists are contributing to work ranging from the origins of the Solar System and the properties of other worlds to satellite instruments and the study of major asteroid impacts.
Researchers from the University of Leicester will discuss how rocks and sediments can reveal the history of Earth and other planets, including new findings from the Chicxulub impact crater associated with the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The programme will also examine UK-built technology used to investigate the Northern Lights, the next generation of space telescopes and Britain’s future satellite requirements.
These projects demonstrate that the space sector extends well beyond astronauts and launch vehicles. It includes precision manufacturing, advanced engineering, telecommunications, environmental monitoring, data analysis, software, security and scientific research.
For Midlands companies, the sector’s expansion could create opportunities throughout the supply chain, including for businesses that may not traditionally consider themselves part of the space industry.
Dallas Campbell to Deliver Keynote Presentation
Dallas Campbell, known for television programmes including The Gadget Show, Bang Goes the Theory, Supersized Earth, Stargazing Live and The Sky at Night, will deliver the festival’s keynote presentation.
The talk will take place inside the National Space Centre’s Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, the largest planetarium in the UK.
Campbell will explore the cultural and scientific history of space exploration through material featured in his latest book, Space Journal: Art, Science and Cosmic Exploration.
He will also meet visitors and sign copies of the book during the festival.
The planetarium will host a wider programme of immersive presentations throughout the day, complementing the live talks and practical activities taking place elsewhere in the centre.
Tackling the Growing Problem of Space Debris
One of the major commercial and technological challenges featured at the festival will be the growing quantity of debris in Earth’s orbit.
Defunct satellites and fragments of old spacecraft can threaten functioning satellites, communications services and future missions.
Visitors will learn how proposed “space tow trucks” could remove obsolete satellites and help keep increasingly congested orbital routes safe.
Space sustainability is becoming an important area of investment and innovation as businesses and governments become more dependent on satellite infrastructure.
Satellite systems now support telecommunications, navigation, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, financial services and national security. Protecting that infrastructure is therefore becoming an economic as well as a scientific priority.
Other sessions will examine how the UK monitors objects in orbit, predicts close approaches and develops technologies capable of servicing or removing spacecraft.
Satellite Technology Supporting Climate Research
The programme will also demonstrate how space technology is being used to study environmental change on Earth.
Members of the public will be invited to become “Walrus Detectives” by examining satellite images and helping scientists count Arctic walruses.
The project is intended to build a clearer picture of walrus populations and help researchers understand how animals are responding to climate change and the loss of Arctic sea ice.
It provides an example of citizen science, through which members of the public can contribute to large research projects that would be difficult for small scientific teams to complete alone.
Other sessions will explore the Northern Lights and the technology used to monitor interactions between the Sun and Earth’s magnetic environment.
Festival Aims to Inspire Future Space Workforce
A central aim of the event is to demonstrate the range of employment opportunities available within the space economy.
Visitors will be able to speak directly with people working in scientific research, engineering, satellite operations, communications and associated technologies.
The organisers hope the encounters will encourage young people to consider subjects and careers they may not previously have associated with space.
Malika Andress, Head of Marketing at the National Space Centre, said:
“The UK in Space Festival is one of those days that really demonstrates just how exciting, diverse and surprising the space industry has become.
“Space isn’t simply about astronauts and rockets. It’s about climate change, communications, engineering, sustainability, understanding our own planet and developing technologies that could transform how we explore the Universe.
“What makes the festival particularly special is being able to meet the people actually doing this work. For young people especially, we want the day to demonstrate that a career in space isn’t some distant dream. There are people working in this industry right now, including scientists here in Leicester, and there are many more ways to become part of it than people might imagine.”
Building the Midlands’ High-Skills Economy
The festival comes as regions across the UK seek to strengthen their advanced-manufacturing, research and technology economies.
Leicester already has an established space and planetary-science community centred around the National Space Centre and the University of Leicester.
By connecting researchers, businesses, educators and potential future employees, events such as the UK in Space Festival can help make specialist careers more visible and strengthen the pipeline of skills required by the sector.
The commercial space economy requires people with expertise extending from physics and engineering to computing, cybersecurity, project management and communications.
It also depends on transferable capabilities held by companies operating in sectors such as automotive engineering, advanced materials, optics and precision manufacturing – all areas with a significant Midlands presence.
Full Access to National Space Centre Included
Festival admission includes access to the National Space Centre’s exhibition galleries and iconic Rocket Tower.
Visitors will also be able to attend immersive planetarium shows and participate in practical workshops and demonstrations throughout the day.
Entry is included for holders of a National Space Centre Annual Pass. Visitors buying a standard admission ticket can claim an Annual Pass at no additional cost, subject to the attraction’s terms and conditions.
Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Tickets, the latest programme and further information are available from the National Space Centre website
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