Space centre and Leicester
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National
Space Centre
The National Space Centre is Britain’s largest attraction dedicated to space science and astronomy. Entertaining and educational, it is also part of Leicester University’s research arm. Allow at least four hours for this journey around the universe. The 42 metre-high tower houses two real rockets, Britain’s Blue Streak and America’s Thor Able. Suspended from the ceiling is the Soviet Union’s Soyz T Space Capsule. here are five themed galleries - Into Space, The Planets, Orbiting the Earth, Exploring the Universe, and Space Now - each packed with hands-on games and simulators. On the Space Now mission departure board you can watch the countdown to the Beagle 2 launch to Mars. Nearby, scientists conduct real research and assemble electronic instruments. There are 150 rare space artefacts to look at, and you can listen to recordings of real conversations between astronauts and mission control. There’s also a walk- in mock-up of the Columbus module. The Space Theatre is a hi-tech planetarium that screens four 30-minute films. The latest video technology, lasers, surround sound and audience voting produce a stunning experience.
Also close to the space centre is the Abbey pumping station. This is a museum of technology. On some days there is a narrow gauge railway in operation and the original giant beam engine may be in steam.
