Families can blast off into a month of space-themed activities at Aerospace Bristol this October, as the museum celebrates the 55th anniversary of the Filton-built Prospero satellite.
Prospero made history when it became the first British satellite to be launched into orbit by a British rocket. Designed and built by the British Aircraft Corporation at Filton, it was launched from Woomera in South Australia on 28 October 1971 aboard a Black Arrow rocket.
A full-size replica of Prospero will now take pride of place in Aerospace Bristol’s space section, displayed above a real, unfuelled Waxwing rocket motor.
The anniversary coincides with the museum’s annual Space Week, running from 3-10 October, when families can discover more about Britain’s role in space exploration.
Alongside Prospero will be a replica of Beagle 2, the UK lander sent to search for life on Mars in 2003 as part of a mission led by Bristol-born Professor Colin Pillinger.
Daily Space Spotlight talks will explore the stories and lasting impact of Prospero, Beagle 2 and other British space projects.
On 10 and 11 October, Aerospace Bristol will also host SIM Expo, the UK’s largest flight simulation exhibition, returning for the first time since 2018. Flight simulators from FMSIMUK will be positioned around the museum for visitors to try, with access included in standard admission.
The space adventures continue during October half-term, from 24 October to 1 November, with a programme of hands-on activities for families.
Visitors to the Making Studio can build and launch their own rockets in a drop-in workshop, while space-themed drone displays will also take place. Families can also join Models for Heroes, a model-making workshop which helps raise awareness of mental health among veterans and emergency services personnel.
Under the wings of Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde ever to fly – children aged 10 and over, or children over four accompanied by an adult, can create their own constellation cubes.
Elsewhere, visitors can dress up with a space theme and add their own creations to a draw-your-own-constellation colouring wall.
There is even more to explore on Sunday 25 October when Bristol Vintage Bus Day returns, bringing around 30 to 40 double-decker buses to Aerospace Bristol. Visitors will be able to climb aboard selected vintage buses for short trips around the local area.
Sally Cordwell, chief executive at Aerospace Bristol, said, “We’re passionate about sparking curiosity in young people, and this October we’re inviting families to explore the UK’s space story, from a satellite built in Filton to a lander sent to Mars.
“Whether it’s building a rocket, flying a simulator or hearing from our experts, we hope every visit opens minds to the wonders of space and engineering, and shows children that the next big leap could be theirs.”
Alongside the special October programme, families can explore more than 100 years of aviation history at Aerospace Bristol and step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot.
For more information and tickets, visit aerospacebristol.org.
