National Space Centre
The National Space Centre is situated by the River Soar, north of the centre of Leicester. It was built after a successful bid from the University of Leicester and Leicester City Council to the Millennium Commission. The building was designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw, whose work includes the Eden Project in Cornwall. The National Space Centre opened on 30th June 2001.
Rocket Tower
The 42 metre Rocket Tower contains Blue Streak and Thor rockets. Blue Streak was the first stage, of three, of the Europa rocket, a collaboration involving the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. The project was cancelled in November 1971.
|
The Rocket Tower with the Thor and Blue Streak rockets.
Credit: National Space Centre, Leicester. |
Displays
These include space travel and astronomy, with plenty of interactive exhibits.
Planetarium
In 2012 the Planetarium was named after Sir Patrick Moore.
NSC Creative
NSC Creative is a computer animation studio based at the National Space Centre. Their work includes shows used in planetariums all over the world.
BAA Meetings
The British Astronomical Association has held meetings at the National Space Centre on 30th June 2007 and 28th June 2008. Leicester Astronomical Society was involved with organising both meetings.
Visitors
Over the years visitors to the National Space Centre have included astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Charlie Duke, Helen Sharman, Michael Foale, and Piers Sellars.
 |
Charlie Duke, CapCom for the Apollo 11 Moon landing and Apollo 16 astronaut, at the National Space Centre, Leicester, 20 November, 2009.
From: The Leicester Mercury, 21 November, 2009. |
References
National Space Centre (Wikipedia)
Happy tenth anniversary to the National Space Centre!
BAA Meeting Report: Exhibition Meeting, 2007 June 30
BAA Meeting Report: Exhibition Meeting and Ordinary Meeting, 2008 June 28
Europa (rocket) (Wikipedia)
Grimshaw - architects.
Last updated 8th November, 2012.