Tim Peake’s Soyuz spacecraft ‘lands’ at Ulster Transport Museum
The spacecraft which transported the UK’s first European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake, to and from the International Space Station (ISS) has landed at the Ulster Transport Museum.
Presented by Samsung and the Science Museum Group, The National Tour of Tim Peake’s Spacecraft includes the Soyuz TMA-19M capsule – complete with equipped interior and char marks on its outer body from its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere – and is displayed along with its 25-metre diameter parachute and the Sokol KV-2 spacesuit Peake wore during his high-speed descent back to Earth.
The craft, which was built by RSC Energia for ROSCOSMOS, the Russian Space Agency, was launched on December 5, 2015 carrying aboard Tim Peake, Yuri Malenchenko and Tim Kopra – the crewmates of Expedition 46. It returned to Earth on June 18, 2016 and soon after was acquired by the Science Museum Group.
Accompanying the spacecraft is the unique Space Descent VR experience. With the help of Samsung Gear VR technology, Space Descent VR places visitors at the heart of Tim Peake’s historic 250-mile return voyage to Earth from the ISS and is voiced by the astronaut himself.
Samsung and the Science Museum Group will also continue its unique education outreach programme for KS3/4 students with Samsung’s 360° immersive and interactive double decker ‘Space Descent VR experience’ bus going into schools and working with the Science Museum Group in the area to deliver Soyuz Rocket Shows, all geared to help students engage with space and the inspirational science and technologies behind space travel.
Running alongside the exhibition, which coincides with the 2019 NI Science Festival, National Museums NI has a programme to accompany the exhibition including a series of interactive outreach events and activities for visitors and local schools. Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said the exhibition, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors, is befitting of the Ulster Transport Museum.
“We’re delighted to work in partnership with the Science Museum Group and Samsung to bring the historic capsule to the Ulster Transport Museum for the final stop in what has been, and continues to be, a stimulating and engaging national touring exhibition. The arrival of Tim Peake’s spacecraft opens a new chapter for the story of transportation chronicled at the museum.”
The exhibition will remain on display at the museum until Sunday, May 12, 2019. Tim Peake’s spacecraft is free to visit, and Space Descent VR will be available to visitors aged 13 and over for £6.
For more information about the exhibition, visit www.nmni.com/soyuz .
