No - it wasn't Elon Musk and SpaceX's latest launch going astray, but a 72ft space rocket did touch down in Swansea today. The rocket landed on Museum Park, outside the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, and caused quite a stir.
The UK Space Agency brought the rocket to the city and it will be there until June 26 as part of the 'Space for Everyone’ tour. The initiative aims to captivate and educate the next generation, showcasing the UK's space industry and the diverse array of career opportunities available.
Throughout the event, local and national space businesses, including Space Wales and Cardiff-based Space Forge, an in-space manufacturing company, along with other organisations will be there - highlighting the space industry in Wales and beyond. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Space for Everyone aims to shed light on the role space plays in enhancing life on Earth. Visitors, including children, families, and teachers, will have the opportunity to witness first-hand how space technologies benefit our daily lives and gain insights into the efforts to explore the great unknown.
UK Space Agency Deputy CEO, Ian Annett, said: “Our Space for Everyone tour is an exciting opportunity for young people, and their parents and teachers, in Swansea to see first-hand what it is really like to work in the space sector and to learn about careers in this growing and exciting industry.
“The space sector requires various skills – many not traditionally associated with it – and champions inclusivity and the need for innovation. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, or even an astronaut, as there are a host of talents needed to bring space closer to our daily lives and improve our understanding of this critical part of the environment for the benefit of the planet and its people.”
The tour promises an immersive experience, incorporating state-of-the-art virtual reality headsets to provide insights into what a launch from the UK looks like, and the job roles involved in making it happen. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore various interactive areas, learning about the crucial role of satellites and discovering the diverse career paths available in the UK space industry.
British astronaut Tim Peake said: “The Space for Everyone tour will demonstrate the incredible capacity of space to inspire. It took thousands of people to make my mission to the International Space Station possible and there is a huge variety of careers on offer in space right here in the UK.
“I hope this activity sparks an interest in the future generations who will take our space sector to new heights.”
Swansea Council cabinet member, Robert Francis-Davies, said: “We’re delighted to be helping the UK Space Agency bring this fantastic tour to Swansea. It’ll be hugely popular and will help reaffirm Swansea as a place to enjoy great attractions and events.”
Admission to the tour is free, and no booking is required. For further information about the tour, please visit here, or follow @spacegovuk on social media.
