Who’s ready for a space odyssey?
There have been some really fantastic events so far this year to mark the 900th anniversary of Peterborough Cathedral encouraging us all to celebrate – but the next one will really be out of this world.
The ancient truly meets the modern as the exhibition of Tim Peake’s spacecraft (presented by Samsung and the Science Museum Group) is due to land at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday August 11, complete with an amazing virtual reality experience.
The incredible Soyuz spacecraft (complete with equipped interior and char marks on its outer body from its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere), that brought Tim Peake and his fellow astronauts back to earth after their Principia mission in 2016 will be on display until November along with the huge parachute deployed during their descent, and Tim’s own Sokol emergency spacesuit.
Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, said – “It is rare to see the star objects in Britain’s great museum collections touring the length and breadth of the country. It is even rarer to see a spacecraft in a Cathedral. I am extremely pleased that thousands of people from all around the diocese of Peterborough will have the chance to see this extraordinary artefact of recent space history on their doorstep, and I cannot wait to see the Soyuz take the Cathedral’s 900th birthday celebrations out of this world when it arrives in August.”
Ever since we first heard Peterborough’s bid to host it here had been accepted we’ve been eagerly awaiting its arrival in the city. If you’ve ever dreamed of your own space mission or are just fascinated to know what it’s like for astronauts making that brave journey this is the closest you’re likely to get!
Speaking at the Science Museum Tim Peake said – “It’s brilliant, it’s incredible to see the actual capsule that you flew to space in… obviously you have a huge attachment to something that has kept you alive and seen you through the rigours of going to space and back.”
The unique virtual reality adventure, narrated by Tim Peake, puts you in the pilot’s seat of a Soyuz capsule. Using Samsung Gear VR and the very latest in VR technology you’ll be able to experience what it feels like to sit inside the Soyuz’s descent module as it makes its dangerous, high speed journey back to earth.
Tim continued – “Sitting in the Soyuz is quite comfortable but once you get in. It’s a very tight space – it wouldn’t suit anyone with claustrophobia!
“Re-entry is much more dynamic than launch – launch is a wild ride, great fun with constant acceleration… re-entry is almost violent, you’re experiencing more G.”
Even better news – you can see his spacecraft for free right through until November.
And don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo posing in the ‘selfie spacesuit’!
Tickets for the Space Descent VR are £5 per person (ages 13+ only) and are available online via www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/soyuz or from Peterborough Information Centre, Bridge Street, Peterborough on 01733 452336.
Photos: Courtesy of the Science Museum Group.