ESA at Autographica, 19-21 September in Birmingham
Autographica is the UK's premier event for the space and sci-fi interested public. Alongside Apollo astronauts who've flown to the Moon, ESA will have a stand at this two-day event being held next weekend, 19-21 September, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at the NEC.
At the ESA stand there will be information about European astronauts and space projects, including of course, the exciting Rosetta mission. This will be the first time a space agency attends the event in its 15-year history.
![Inside Vega's mobile launch gantry](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2014/04/tower_of_vega/14475581-4-eng-GB/Tower_of_Vega_article.jpg)
Several thousands of people are expected to pass through the venue's doors next weekend, to meet pioneers of spaceflight and aviation, as well as characters from well-known films and TV shows. One of the biggest attractions is the highly popular series of astronaut talks, where guest speakers entertain fans with stories of their space experiences.
ESA's stand will also have a special guest: Portuguese-born photographer Edgar Martins, who was granted unparalleled access to ESA facilities in 2012 and 2013. For those two years, he photographed the space facilities across Europe, Kazakhstan and South America. Edgar will be signing copies of his stunning new photography book at the ESA stand.