Space Lates - Apollo 9 at National Space Centre

Space Lates is an evening created for people who want to know more – those who have an interest in astronomy, space missions, and the exciting research happening here in the UK, around the world, and out in space.

This event will focus on celebrating Apollo 9, the third manned mission in the United States Apollo space program and the first flight of the Command/Service Module with the Lunar Module.

We’ve curated a special evening packed with guest speakers, planetarium shows, stargazing, live demos.

Explore our galleries after-hours and finish your evening with a screening of the film Moon.

Space Lates Evening Ticket £6

Space Lates Evening Ticket + Film £12

Guest Talks

18:15, Live Space – Nigel Bannister

The Challenge and Triumph of Apollo

50 years ago this month, the flight of Apollo 9 brought together for the first time all of the pieces needed to land humans on the moon. Discover the challenges, the triumphs, and the legacy of the Apollo programme - including a special celebration of the remarkable Lunar Module.

Dr Nigel Bannister is a space scientist at the University of Leicester.

19:00, Live Space – Dr Katherine Joy

Science and Exploration of the Moon

The Moon has been the subject of great fascination for thousands of years, but it wasn't until the 1950's and 1960's, when we sent orbiting and landing spacecraft to explore its surface, that we made giant leaps forward to understand its origin and evolution. Our knowledge is still growing today, with a renewed interest in the Moon. In the next year we’ll see two more lunar missions being launched by the USA and China, and the race is on between nations and commercial enterprises to continue the exploration of our nearest neighbour.

Dr Katherine Joy is a lunar geologist at the University of Manchester and studies Apollo Moon rocks to understand the Moon’s impact history.

19:45, Live Space - Dr Julia Attias

The health of humans in space: looking to the moon

Join space physiologist Dr Julia Attias for a fascinating overview of the effects of space on the body, the ways we’re looking to counter this through resistance suits, and other challenges to a long-term human colony in space and on the Moon.

Julia’s research has seen her participate in parabolic ‘vomit comet’ flights and in simulated lunar running studies with the German space agency DLR.

20:30, Live Space – Calum Hervieu

Life on Mars: the future of human space exploration

Humanity is readying itself to tackle the monumental challenge of once again voyaging beyond Earth orbit to explore new frontiers. As soon as 2025, humans may once again walk on the Moon as we prepare to take the next giant leap toward Mars. Join Calum as he discusses the challenges, the optimism and the perhaps unglamorous reality that awaits future space explorers on the red planet.

Calum Hervieu is a Space Systems Engineer with who has recently completed a NASA simulated Mars mission in Hawaii.

18:00, 18:45, 19:30 or 20:15 – Dan Kendal

Space Oddities: Apollo 50

Join our Curator for mini tours of our brand-new Apollo exhibition.

Activities

Tour of the Night Sky

Take a whirlwind 20-minute tour of the spring night sky in our newly upgraded Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium. Learn the constellations, the stories, and the planets that feature in summer.

Meteorite Display

Ever touched a rock from space? Explore a collection of meteorites and find out how we use these rocks to explore the Solar System.

Stargazing

Leicester Astronomical Society

18:00-21:00 – weather dependent

Screening

Moon

Sam Bell is nearing the completion of his 3-year-long contract with Lunar Industries, mining Earth's primary source of energy on the dark side of the moon. Alone with only the base's vigilant computer Gerty as his sole companion, Bell's extended isolation has taken its toll.

21:00 – 22:35 (additional ticket required)

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You are free to explore the National Space Centre’s galleries throughout the night. Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tranquillity Base will not be open.

Our café will be serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches throughout the evening and The Shop will be open from 18:00 – 21:00.

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All talks and activities are aimed at adults and engaged families, with an interest in science.

Children are welcome; however, parents will need to decide if children are happy to sit through accessible and engaging 30-minute talks.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

This event is suitable for adults and engaged families. The film is suitable for 15+

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

There are 400 free car parking spaces available on site. We are happy to call taxis for people and there is a bus stop to the 54 route within a few minutes walk of the Centre.

What can/can’t I bring to the event?

Food and drink will not be allowed to be brought onto the premises.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

The National Space Centre – 0116 261 0261.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

No, tickets are non transferable or refundable.

Can I update my registration information?

No, once a ticket is purchased no changes can be made.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Either a printed ticket, or a ticket on your phone or tablet (we like the non-printing option, it is better for the planet).

What is the refund policy?

All tickets are non-refundable.