Aerospace Bristol announces Family Space Day featuring First British Astronaut Helen Sharman CMG OBE

The first British person in space is coming to Bristol later this year.

Helen Sharman blasted off on her mission to the Mir space station on 18 May 1991 - 30 years ago today – and, to celebrate, Aerospace Bristol has announced a special Family Space Day featuring the pioneering astronaut.

Image: Helen Sharman returns from MIR in 1991

The day of space-related activities will take place on Monday 25 October, as part of Space 2021 - Aerospace Bristol’s year of space celebrations.

The highlight will be a talk and Q&A session with Helen Sharman, staged under the wings of the last Concorde ever to fly: an aircraft that flew “on the edge of space” at 60,000ft, high enough to see the curvature of the Earth. Visitors will discover how Helen Sharman became an astronaut, learn about her mission to Mir, and have the chance to put their questions to the first British person ever to go to space.

Amy Seadon, Learning & Community Engagement Manager, Aerospace Bristol, said: “Aerospace Bristol is all about inspiring young people to learn about science and technology and sparking the enthusiasm that will drive them to become the engineers and scientists of the future. I can’t think of a better way to ignite that interest than giving young people the chance to hear from a truly inspirational person like Helen Sharman. We’re delighted that Helen has agreed to join the museum’s Space 2021 celebrations and we can’t wait to welcome her to Aerospace Bristol for a fun and fascinating Family Space Day.”

Tickets for the event are not yet available, but with high demand expected, Aerospace Bristol is asking anyone who may wish to attend to register their interest at aerospacebristol.org/space-2021.

Aerospace Bristol reopens on Wednesday, with individual and family tickets to the museum available now at aerospacebristol.org.