Out of this world: Southampton to be first stop on space agency tour

The UK Space Agency’s new ‘Space for Everyone’ tour is set to lift off in West Bargate, Southampton.

The stellar event, which will run from the first to the fifth of June, will look to show how space can improve life on Earth as well as offering young people a look into available career paths in the industry.

Front and centre will be a 72 foot replica rocket which will help to show how the UK is launching into space, as well as interactive experiences to broaden visitors’ horizons.

Piloting the event will be a number of trained hosts and industry experts who will offer guidance on the role of satellites and plot the course of the varied careers available in the UK’s 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.”

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency added: “Our Space For Everyone tour is an exciting opportunity for our next generation 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 engineer, as there are a host of skills and 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.”