ESA at the Big Bang Fair 2014
ESA is partnering with the UK Space Agency and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) to provide a stand at the Big Bang Science Fair in Birmingham. Together we will be providing exciting activities all about space from 13 to 16 March, alongside more than 100 other science organisations.
ESA and RAL are bringing some of their top engineers from their world-class spacecraft testing facilities, to explain how we build, test and launch satellites. A mock ‘cleanroom’ has been built directly into the stand, showing kids how meticulously engineers must prepare their spacecraft’s environment and take care of its delicate technology. They will have the opportunity to test and handle real equipment, and have their questions answered by those in the know. More than 65,000 students, kids and families attended last year’s gathering in London.
Designing equipment for space is far trickier than for Earth – space poses some unique challenges for spacecraft engineers. Spacecraft do important jobs, from studying distant galaxies to helping you navigate your way home.
To perform all of these tasks, they have to be specially designed to succeed in the hostile environments of space. Our hands-on activities will demonstrate how engineers work to get their satellite into space.
The Big Bang Fair is aimed at showing young people (primarily aged 7-19) just how many exciting and rewarding opportunities there are out there for them with the right experience and qualifications.
To find out more and register for your free place, visit the Big Bang Fair website.
