Backed by the UK Space Agency, W5 is one of twenty science centres across the UK have joined forces with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to provide children all over the UK with a unique opportunity to join his crew, learn about human space flight and follow life on the International Space Station.

With over 20 million visitors to UK science centres every year, Destination Space will give families across the nation the chance to learn about Tim Peake’s mission through hands-on experiments, rocket demonstrations, space equipment and video from the International Space Station.

As well as learning about Tim Peake’s work on the International Space Station, the programme will celebrate the team behind Tim, highlighting great opportunities for young people within the science and space sectors.

Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

“Human spaceflight is the ultimate in team effort with many committed individuals working to get an astronaut into space. We wanted the Destination Space programme to recognise the talents of the people who support Tim Peake and in doing so showcase all the fantastic career opportunities this sector offers young people.

“Our Destination Space family shows and school workshops at 20 science centres across the UK allow visitors to learn more about Tim Peake’s mission, get hands-on training and find out all about the great people that work behind the scenes in human space flight.”

Secure your place

Online, Destination Space follows Tim Peake’s adventures in space and encourages the UK to get behind his mission through the inspiring figures who will be supporting his adventures. Everyone can sign up for training with Tim and share their endeavours via a social media command centre.  A unique personality tool has also been developed that allows people to secure their place in Tim Peake’s crew, assigning everyone a role based on their interests and preferences.

W5, located within the Odyssey Complex in Belfast, is giving young people the opportunity to engage with Tim Peake’s mission through a live and interactive family show, ‘Destination Space’. Visitors can explore what life is like for the entire space crew in the show celebrating astronaut Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station in December.

The Destination Space Programme has been created and delivered by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres in Bristol working in partnership with expert teams at the National Space Centre in Leicester, Science Museum in London and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire.

Dr Penny Fidler, the CEO of ASDC and Director of Destination Space said:

“Tim Peake is the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut and we want children and families to feel they are truly a part of his exciting mission. His journey and time on the International Space Station provides a great opportunity to encourage children to be more curious, ask big questions and to enjoy science.

“By joining us for one of our science centre events or following Destination Space online, young people and families all over the UK can explore human space flight in a hands-on, fun and involving way.

“We want to show there is a huge crew of women and men from all areas of science and engineering who work to make space missions possible. This is a chance to celebrate their endeavours, giving young people the confidence and curiosity to explore and ask questions long after they leave the science and discovery centres.”

To join the Destination Space crew go to: www.DestinationSpace.uk or visit www.w5online.co.uk for Destination Space live show dates.