Space Lates - April
Discover science after hours at Space Lates — an exclusive evening of talks, activities, and galleries for curious minds.
- 17th Apr 2026
- 18:00 - 21:00
- An inspiring evening
- Hands-on science activities
- Explore galleries after hours
- The latest news from space
- Limited tickets, exclusive access
Designed for curious minds who love to ask big questions, Space Lates invites you to embark on an evening of Mission Space—a chance to explore the wonders of science and space through thought-provoking 30-minute talks, hands-on activities, and the rare opportunity to wander our galleries after hours.
This special edition of Space Lates features a unique programme created exclusively for the night, offering fresh perspectives, exciting discoveries, and immersive ways to engage with the cosmos. Whether you’re intrigued by the latest breakthroughs, keen to try innovative experiments, or simply looking for an inspiring night out, Space Lates delivers a relaxed, engaging experience for teens and adults alike.
With limited tickets available, this Space Lates offers an exclusive way to immerse yourself in science, creativity, and cosmic curiosity.
Please note: The Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open during this event.
About Space Lates
All talks and activities are aimed at adults and families interested in science.
Children are welcome; however, parents/guardians need to decide if children are happy to attend accessible and engaging 30-minute talks.
This jam-packed evening is designed to allow you to choose and explore your top picks.
It's not expected that you'll be able to catch everything.
You are free to explore our galleries throughout the night.
Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open.
Hot food can be pre-ordered when purchasing your ticket.
Our café will be open throughout the evening.
Guest Speakers
We host talks on the LIVE Space stage and in our Shuttle Suites throughout the night. These will be from experts in their field on the latest developments in space science, missions, or exciting findings. Sessions are around 30 minutes in duration and normally include an Q&A element to ask questions.
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![DSC0294 (004)]()
Readying Goonhilly for Artemis II
- Daisy Richardson
- Software Engineer, Goonhilly Earth Station
- 18:15 and 19:15
Artemis 2 will take humans back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. Join Daisy as she discusses the commercial lunar missions that Goonhilly Earth Station has supported, and how that has contributed to ongoing technology research which is now helping underpin the Artemis program.
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![5467 1338 Zoe Tenacci 1 (1)]()
Cleaning the Orbital Highway
- Zoé Tenacci
- Mission Concepts Team Lead, Astroscale Ltd.
- 19:15 and 20:15
Modern life runs on satellites, but the orbits they depend on are becoming dangerously crowded. Over 30,000 tracked objects circle Earth today, most of them dead spacecraft or debris travelling at orbital velocities. Join Zoé as she highlights the space debris problem through an engineering lens and presents in-orbit servicing solutions under development, including debris capture and removal, on-orbit refuelling, and satellite life-extension.
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![Lucinda And Heartnebula]()
Who’s Ready for Mars?
- Lucinda Offer
- Education and Outreach Officer, Royal Astronomical Society
- 18:15 and 20:15
From early Mars science fiction to modern rover laboratories, humanity’s journey towards the Red Planet reflects a long interplay of imagination, science, and engineering. Join Lucinda as she explores key milestones in Mars exploration, including robotic missions such as Viking, Curiosity, Perseverance, Tianwen-1, and the UAE’s Hope Probe, alongside the development of analogue astronaut missions through the Mars Society and other global programmes.
Activities
For each Space Lates evening our teams will host sessions for you to get hands on with science. In the past this has seen people making zoetropes, using satellites to look at migration patterns, discovering different types of meteorites, and even seeing the Northern Lights in a Planeterrella. Weather dependant we also work with Leicester Astronomical Society to host stargazing sessions.
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![Mars rovers]()
Alistair Veryard Photography Space Rovers
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
Join our Discovery team and have a go at remotely operating our space rovers while finding out why robotic missions are important for expanding our understanding of space.
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![Science busk with a spacesuit is enjoyed by a young boy and Father]()
National Space Centre Pressure Suit Autopsy
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
With no air, extreme temperatures, and danger from radiation and micrometeoroid impacts, spacesuits keep astronauts alive in space. Let our Discovery team show you how they are designed to work beyond the protection and safety of Earth!
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![RAS Activity]()
Gravity Mugs and Human Factor Workstation
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
Join the Royal Astronomical Society to find out what it would be like to work on a different planet or the Moon! Wearing spacesuits and working in different gravity fields can be challenging!
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![IMG 20260304 WA0008 (1)]()
CranSEDS Space Exploration with CranSEDS
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
From high power rocketry to Mars rovers, join the CranSEDS team to see what the Cranfield University's branch of UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) has to offer for the future of student space exploration!
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![woman stargazing with a telescope]()
© StockPhotoPro Telescopes and Stargazing
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
Meet the Leicester Astronomical Society to find out more about stargazing and to look through their telescopes. *weather permitting.
Limited availability (first come, first served basis): Bring your own telescope along and members of the Leicester Astronomical Society will happily offer telescope setting-up advice.
Planetarium Show
The National Space Centre is also home to the UK's largest planetarium, so no session would be complete without a seat under the fulldome. Included in a Space Lates ticket will be a timed show.
One Step Beyond (18:45 or 19:45)
Sit back and relax as you're taken on an immersive journey to Mars where we hope to take our first steps on another planet. With thrilling rocket launches and landings, featuring powerful sound and dynamic visual effects, this show will explore all the extraordinary challenges we'll have to tackle in our space exploration feats.
Space Lates FAQs
