Children from across the North East are being encouraged to aim for the stars as Newcastle’s Life Science Centre celebrates World Space Week.
World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology coordinated by the United Nations, takes place from 4-10 October each year. This year’s theme, Rocket Revolution, explores how advances in launch technology and reusable rockets have transformed the space industry.
To mark the week, Life will engage with thousands of children through a programme of space-themed workshops, family activities, community outreach and STEM events – with a particular focus on showing young people who may never have considered a career in space, that there is a place for them in the sector.
The North East is already home to more than 80 space-sector organisations, supporting more than 1,300 jobs and generating £171 million in regional income. The region has ambitions to grow this to 10,000 space-sector jobs by 2030.
“For nearly three decades, Life has inspired people of all ages to explore science and imagine the future. The Force of the Story will help us do exactly that.
“While many visitors will be drawn by their love of Star Wars, our ambition is much broader. We want people to leave inspired by the science, technology and innovation that are helping humanity tackle some of its biggest challenges and shape the future of life on Earth and beyond.
“This exhibition gives us a unique opportunity to bring together imagination, discovery and creativity in a way that will appeal to families, schools, science enthusiasts and lifelong fans alike.”
Life has one of the most comprehensive space engagement programmes in the North with a dedicated space zone featuring a replica International Space Station and Mission Control, alongside a state-of-the-art Planetarium, which is the biggest in the region.
Life has received praise from astronauts including Helen Sharman, Tim Peake and Chris Hadfield, who have all visited the science centre.
Tim Peake said: “There is a huge variety of careers on offer in space right here in the UK. I hope this activity [at Life] sparks an interest in the future generations who will take our space sector to new heights.”
World Space Week launches on Sunday (4 October), on Life’s Accessibility Day, which is a full day of family-friendly activities including workshops such as Smells in Space and Robotics, with extra support for visitors with additional needs. Life’s aspiration is to be the most accessible and inclusive visitor attraction in Europe.
The centre will also welcome children from four regional schools taking part in Life’s funded Space Explorers programme.
The Life team will also be at STEMFest at Vertu Motors Arena delivering space-related activities to around 3,000 local students and also take the mobile planetarium to a local SEND school to deliver bespoke space experiences to its 120 students.