Space Tour: Exclusive Pre-Release

• Dhara Patel & Charlotte Isham
• TBC

Get ready to journey through the Universe and explore some of the most exciting and surprising discoveries in space. To celebrate the upcoming release of Space Tour, they’ll take you on a cosmic cruise through their favourite spots in the universe, from mind-blowing galaxies to strange and spectacular worlds.

Be among the first to get your hands on an exclusive early copy, available only at this event — and get it signed by the authors!

From CanSat to Space Career

• Daisy Richardson & Greg Duffy
• TBC

Discover how designing and launching a mini satellite can be the first step toward a career in space. Join Greg and Daisy as they share their journey: from winning the CanSat Competition to stepping into the world of space science and engineering.

Learn how the CanSat challenge gives students real-world experience with space technology, igniting passion and opening doors to future careers in the industry.

Exploring Mars

• John Bridges
• TBC

Join planetary scientist John Bridges as he reveals how Leicester is helping unlock the secrets of Mars, from analysing Martian meteorites to contributing to rover and orbiter missions.

Discover what we’ve learned about the formation of the Red Planet, its potential to host primitive life, and how current research in Leicester is shaping the future of Mars exploration.

Milestones to Mercury

• Dr Julia Cartwright
• TBC

As the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission speeds toward Mercury, researchers at the University of Leicester are preparing to explore the planet’s complex surface and history. Discover the latest findings and laboratory-based science helping us get ready for this next chapter in planetary exploration.

How Space Supports Sustainable Farming

• Megan Roberts
• TBC

Explore how satellite imagery and space-based technologies are used to monitor crop health, manage resources, and support sustainable agriculture around the world. Megan will share how global food producers like PepsiCo are integrating space data into real-world farm trials. 

John Bridges

• Professor of Planetary Science at University of Leicester

Professor John Bridges is a planetary scientist at the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy. He has contributed to major missions including ExoMars and analysed Martian meteorites. Alongside his research, he is involved in teaching and supervising research projects at the University.

Greg Duffy

• Director at Prospero Space Fellowship

Greg Duffy is a STEM Ambassador with ESERO-UK who has led UK teams to success in the ESA CanSat competition. He founded the Woodlands Rocketry Club and develops projects that inspire young people through hands-on space science and industry links. He is also an Assistant Headteacher and dedicated space education advocate.

Charlotte Isham

• Discovery Director at The National Space Centre

Charlotte Isham is Discovery Director at the National Space Centre. Trained as a teacher, she joined the Centre in 2006 and has worked across education, events, and exhibitions. From interviewing astronauts to co-authoring a book, Charlotte shares her lifelong love of space through creative learning and visitor experiences.

Daisy Richardson

• Graduate Software Engineer at Goonhilly

Daisy Richardson is a Graduate Software Engineer at Goonhilly Earth Station with a passion for aerospace and space engineering. Alongside her engineering work, she is an experienced private tutor in STEM subjects. In 2018, she was part of the UK CanSat winning team, marking a key step in her space career journey.

Megan Roberts

• Global VSA Systems Coordinator at PepsiCo R&D

Megan Roberts works with data-led and agritech integrations across global oat and potato trials, and has a special interest in how space technology can support sustainable farming. Passionate about sustainability and the future of food, she works with researchers, farmers and digital tools to bring precision to agriculture. 

Dhara Patel

• Space Expert at The National Space Centre

Dhara Patel is a Space Expert at the National Space Centre and a science communicator with over a decade of experience. With a Masters Degree in Physics and a background in teaching, she shares her passion for space through live events, media appearances, digital content, and public engagement across the UK.

Dr. Julia Cartwright

• Independent Research Fellow at The University of Leicester

Dr. Julia Cartwright is a planetary scientist, specialising in meteorites and planetary regoliths. Her research supports the BepiColombo mission to Mercury, using meteorite analysis and lab-based X-ray spectroscopy to explore planetary surfaces, impact histories, and the origins of rocky bodies in our Solar System.

Camilla Francis

• Outreach Editor at the European Space Agency

Camilla Francis is a writer and editor for the European Space Agency’s web portal, based at ECSAT in Harwell. With a background in journalism and science communication, she has worked across ESA’s ARTES and Space Solutions platforms, and previously held writing roles with OECD, BBC Worldwide, and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

Simulating Space with ESA

• European Space Agency

Join the ESA team to discover how scientists are recreating the surfaces of the Moon and Mars here on Earth to support future exploration. You can also find out more about the Young Graduate Trainee (YGT) programme and internship opportunities for those interested in a career in space.

UK Spaceport Challenge

• Prospero & Goonhilly

Launch your own satellite aboard a simulated UK orbital air rocket and test your range safety skills. Can you keep ships and aircraft out of harm’s way?

Build your own satellite dish, track and operate your satellite, and tackle real-world challenges like in-orbit repairs. Collect mission stickers as you go, and discover how the UK’s growing launch capabilities are turning plans into reality.

Mars Under the Microscope

• University of Leicester

We’ve sent spacecraft to Mars, but no humans have visited the Red Planet, and we’ve yet to return with rock samples. Amazingly, though, pieces of Mars have made their way to Earth as meteorites.

Join the University of Leicester team to examine real Martian meteorites up close. You'll have the chance to hold these rare fragments and study them through a microscope to uncover their secrets.

Plant Your Own Farm

• PepsiCo R&D

What Do Crops Need to Thrive? Get hands-on and explore what helps crops grow strong and healthy, from sunlight, water and soil, to space tech. Learn the science behind food production and plant your own mini farm to take home and care for using your new skills.

Telescopes and Daytime Stargazing

• Leicester Astronomical Society

Meet the Leicester Astronomical Society and explore the wonders of stargazing and telescopes. Learn how to prepare for stargazing and discover what to look for in the sky. Society members will be on hand with their own equipment, offering guidance and the chance to safely view the Sun through their telescopes. Got your own telescope? Bring it along! they’ll be happy to offer setup advice and stargazing tips.

Please Note: this activity is weather permitting and available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Space Tour - Book Signing

• National Space Centre

Collect your exclusive early copy of the Space Tour book from the gift shop and get it signed by the authors.

Meet the authors and take home a copy of this beautiful hardback book. It's the ultimate journey across the universe with fascinating facts and incredible images that is sure to fascinate both children and adults alike.

One Step Beyond

• Brand-New Show
• 10:20 / 13:50 / 15:10
• Ages 5+

From our first baby steps to setting foot on the Moon, humanity has always been driven to explore. Now, as we look to our next giant leap, Mars stands as our most ambitious goal yet. This new show explores the challenges of sending humans to the Red Planet, the global effort it will take, and the possibility of discovering signs of ancient life.

Tour of the Night Sky

• Presenter-Led Show
• 11:10 / 15:50
• Ages 8+

Join a member of our Discovery Team for an immersive journey through the wonders of the Universe. Your presenter will guide you through the current seasonal night sky before venturing into space for a unique perspective of Earth and distant celestial objects.

The Great Solar System Adventure

• Award-Winning Show
• 11:50 / 14:30 / 16:30
• Ages 5+

Step inside the Observatorium for a thrilling journey across the Solar System, led by showman extraordinaire The Great Schiaparelli. From the scorched surface of Mercury to the icy reaches beyond Pluto, this daring adventure dives into the dangers and wonders of space and reminds us just how extraordinary Earth truly is.