(Image: Supplied)
Children across the North East are being urged to aim high as a North East science attraction celebrates World Space Week.
Newcastle’s Life Science Centre is marking the event, held each year from October 4 to 10, with space workshops, outreach and STEM events aimed at inspiring future space professionals.
This year’s Rocket Revolution theme explores how reusable rockets and launch technology are reshaping the industry.
Sophia Rushton spraying space salad in the ISS (Image: Supplied)
Linda Conlon, chief executive at Life Science Centre, said: "If the region is to grow in line with its ambitions, it needs a skills-ready workforce and it’s never too early to start inspiring the next generation about the opportunities a career in space can offer.
"Life has more than 26 years’ experience in engaging audiences of all ages with space – starting with preschoolers and continuing through the key stages at school and beyond – highlighting the breadth of career options available and raising the aspirations of young people from all backgrounds.
"World Space Week is an ideal opportunity to build on that ongoing work and show children that space is not just about astronauts.
Jabal Iwobi in Life’s Space Zone (Image: Supplied)
"There are opportunities for people with all sorts of interests, skills and talents, from engineering and science to computing, design, communications and more."
More than 80 space organisations already operate in the North East, supporting over 1,300 jobs and generating £171 million for the regional economy.
The region aims to create 10,000 space-sector jobs by 2030.
Life runs one of the region’s biggest space programmes, with a dedicated zone featuring an International Space Station replica, a Mission Control centre and the region’s biggest planetarium.
Astronauts including Helen Sharman, Chris Hadfield and Tim Peake have praised the centre.
Mr Peake said: "There is a huge variety of careers on offer in space right here in the UK.
"I hope this activity [at Life] sparks an interest in the future generations who will take our space sector to new heights."
World Space Week begins on Sunday, October 4, with Life’s Accessibility Day.
The day will feature family activities and workshops, including ‘Smells in Space’ and robotics sessions, plus extra support for visitors with additional needs.
Life aims to become Europe’s most accessible and inclusive visitor attraction.
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The centre will also host pupils from four regional schools taking part in its funded Space Explorers programme.
And the outreach continues.
The Life team will take space activities to STEMFest at Vertu Motors Arena for around 3,000 students.
The team will also take its mobile planetarium to a local SEND school for a tailored space experience for 120 pupils.