Space Lates
Discover science after hours at Space Lates — an exclusive evening of talks, activities, and galleries for curious minds.
- 6th Feb 2026, 17th Apr 2026, 12th Jun 2026, 20th Nov 2026
- An inspiring evening
- Hands-on science activities
- Explore galleries after hours
- The latest news from space
- Limited tickets, exclusive access
Step into an evening of discovery at Space Lates 2026. From thought-provoking 30-minute talks and hands-on science activities to the chance to explore our galleries after hours, Space Lates is designed for curious minds who love to ask big questions.
Each event offers a unique programme, so no two evenings are the same. With limited tickets available, Space Lates provides an inspiring and exclusive way to experience science, space, and creativity in a relaxed setting.
Explore the full line-up of upcoming Space Lates events below and plan your next evening with us.
Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open during this event.
About Space Lates
All talks and activities are aimed at adults and families interested in science.
Children are welcome; however, parents/guardians need to decide if children are happy to attend accessible and engaging 30-minute talks.
This jam-packed evening is designed to allow you to choose and explore your top picks.
It's not expected that you'll be able to catch everything.
You are free to explore our galleries throughout the night.
Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open.
Hot food can be pre-ordered when purchasing your ticket.
Our café will be open throughout the evening.
What to Expect
Included in your entry to a Space Lates is access to our main floor exhibitions (Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport are not open), but you can also enjoy:
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![Space Lates talk on LIVE Space stage]()
National Space Centre Talks
We host sessions on the LIVE Space stage and in our Shuttle Suites throughout the night. These will be from experts in their field on the latest developments in space science, missions, or exciting findings. Sessions are around 30 minutes in duration and normally include an Q&A element to ask questions.
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![DSC0060 Enhanced NR]()
Activities
For each Space Lates evening our teams will host sessions for you to get hands on with science. In the past this has seen people making zoetrope, help use satellites to look at migration patterns, discover different types of meteorites, and even see the Northern Lights in a Planeterrella. Weather dependant we also work with Leicester Astronomical Society to host stargazing sessions.
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![Tour Of The Night Sky]()
Planetarium
The National Space Centre is also home to the UK's largest planetarium, so no session would be complete without a seat under the fulldome. Included in a Space Lates ticket will be a timed session to see what is in the night's sky, or discover more from the latest mission or theme for the month.
06 February 2026
This month's theme is Astronomical Adventures.
17 April 2026
This month's theme is Mission Space.![J170520 073 OH [TIF 20786622004]](/media/glcbb3dp/j170520_073_oh-tif-20786622004.jpg?anchor=center&rmode=crop&width=1920&height=1080.0000&format=webp&quality=80)
12 June 2026
This month's theme is 25 Years of the National Space Centre.
20 November 2026
This month's theme is Space City Leicester.
AstroSnores Sleepover
Why not extend your visit and join us for our public sleepover?
On 12 June and 20 November 2026 we will host public sleepover events that you can add to a Space Lates evening.
Our AstroSnores Sleepover begins with access to Space Lates and as night falls, you'll have a special screening of a movie in the UK’s largest planetarium, before unrolling your sleeping bag beneath spacesuits, satellites, and spacecraft—with no chance of rain.
There will be breakfast in the morning, followed by an exclusive planetarium show and you'll also receive a sleepover patch to mark your unforgettable night!
This event has family and adult sleeping areas and is suitable for ages 6+.
Space Lates FAQs
