The UK Space Agency has successfully concluded its Space for Everyone tour, reaching over 160,000 young people across the UK. The tour, which lasted for five months, visited 13 cities in all four nations of the UK, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of space professionals.
One of the highlights of the tour was a 72-feet replica rocket, which captured the imagination of visitors. The tour showcased the importance of space in improving life on Earth and emphasised the wide range of career opportunities available in the sector for individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
Covering a total distance of 2,684 miles, equivalent to five return trips to the International Space Station, the tour offered interactive exhibits, expert talks, and insights into the UK space sector’s career prospects. Partners such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, Orbex, Skyrora, and AmbaSat joined the tour to provide visitors with valuable information.
In addition to individual participants, Space for Everyone also welcomed 130 school, youth, and community organisations, offering them specially guided tours to enhance their educational experiences and knowledge of the UK’s spaceflight sector.
Following the successful tour, the UK Space Agency’s replica rocket will be loaned to Spaceport Cornwall, where it will continue to inspire future generations as part of a free space-based exhibition.
Matt Archer, the UK Space Agency Director of Launch, expressed his satisfaction with the tour’s achievements in engaging over 160,000 young people and showcasing the exciting opportunities in the UK’s rapidly growing space sector. Archer emphasised the importance of diversity and inspiring individuals from all backgrounds to ensure the sector’s continued success.
As part of the tour, Imperial College London collaborated with the UK Space Agency to enhance their recently launched website, I’m a Space Person. The website highlights various careers in the space industry and provides visitors with free space-based educational resources, career tips, and an online version of the tour.
Dr. Simon Foster, Outreach Officer and Teacher at Imperial College London, highlighted the significance of giving young people an understanding of the diverse range of careers available in the space sector and how to pursue them, ensuring a strong talent pipeline for the future.
For more information about the Space for Everyone tour and to watch the online broadcast, interested individuals can visit the tour website or follow @spacegovuk on social media.
