That’s a wrap: Principia post-flight tour comes to an end
British ESA astronaut Tim Peake has completed a highly successful tour of the UK since his return from space earlier this year.
Tim Peake meeting his audience at Techniquest, Cardiff. Credit: Techniquest.
Seven days of public focussed events saw Tim visit Cardiff, Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast and London.
Science Minister Jo Johnson said:
As the UK’s first European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake’s mission was a momentous occasion which captivated millions of people across the country and strengthened our place as world-leaders in space research. This tour has been a brilliant way for Tim to share his journey and experiences from his mission and will help inspire the next generation of scientists.
The UK has followed Tim’s mission over the past year and over a million young people have taken part in related activities. We hope everyone who could make one of the events enjoyed the tour, and want to thank the British public for their support.
Highlights from the tour include:
Day 1: Cardiff
Wales welcomed Tim as one of their own at Techniquest in Cardiff Bay.
The first stop on the tour, Tim took to the stage in front of around 400 Welsh school children as well as a live-link with thousands more attending Skills Cymru event at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. After Tim’s presentation he was treated to an assembly from Blaenymaes Primary School from Swansea.
Day 2: Leicester
Tim on the main stage at the National Space Centre, Leicester.
The National Space Centre in Leicester was a great setting for Tim’s public talks, inspiring students and teachers alike.
Tim received an almost deafening welcome from crowds of young people lining the entrance to the Space Centre. Tim received an honorary degree from the University of Leicester in a ceremony after his public talks.
Day 3: Manchester
Tim at Media City, Salford.
The tour ramped up with appearances at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester and Media CityUK in Salford. Tim also made a special appearance in the Blue Peter studio for a space special… keep an eye out for episode which will be shown in November.
Day 4: Glasgow
Events at the Glasgow Science Centre and Clyde Space allowed Tim to meet the public and employees of the UK space industry in Glasgow. Tim gave a guided tour of the International Space Station (ISS) inside the Planetarium in the Glasgow Science Centre. The ISS was projected on the roof of the Planetarium and Tim was able to travel round the station giving more information about each module.
Day 5: Edinburgh
One Dynamic Earth Science Centre, Edinburgh.
NASA astronaut and crewmate Tim Kopra joined Tim in Edinburgh for events at Dynamic Earth and Usher Hall.
Tim Peake also made an appearance on the This Morning show outside Dynamic Earth. The two astronauts took a trip to Edinburgh Castle and were given a close up view of the 1 o’clock gun. It was also the first of the ‘big’ venues with over 2,000 people inside the Usher Hall.
Day 6: Belfast
Astronauts Tim Peake and Tim Kopra on stage at Ulster Hall, Belfast. Credit: Neil Harrison.
Tim high-fived his way through the W5 science and discovery centre and addressed eager crowds at Ulster Hall in Belfast. He also opened the first electric propulsion manufacturing facility in the UK at Thales’ Belfast site.
Day 7: London
Crewmates on stage at the Royal Albert Hall. Credit: Andy Paradise.
The tour concluded in London with sold out events at the Science Museum and Royal Albert Hall. This marked an end to Tim and Tim’s time in the UK.
We would like to thank everyone who came along to the events across the country, the welcome that both astronauts received as well as the support crew was fantastic at each location.
Innovation is GREAT
The UK space sector is driven by innovative technology, such as world-leading small satellite technology developed by Surrey Satellite Technologies Limited in Guilford or unique uses of satellite data with the Satellite Applications Catapult. On his return to Houston, Tim made a final appearance at the US Grand Prix in Austin as part of the #InnovationIsGREAT campaign in partnership with McLaren. Check out a ‘GREAT conversation’ between, Tim, Dr Caroline Hargrove (McLaren), and record-breaking sailor Hannah White discussing the UK’s innovative culture past, present and future.