![180525 1127 OH [TIF 23753543404]](/media/vskmn3qn/180525_1127_oh-tif-23753543404.jpg?anchor=center&rmode=crop&width=1920&height=1920&format=webp&quality=80)
Space Lates – Apollo 17
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the last human to leave the Moon, as we look as missions to return, and even go beyond.
- 20th Jun 2025
- Tickets from £8.00
Space Lates
Space Lates is an evening created for people who want to know more – those who have an interest in astronomy, space missions, and the exciting research happening here in the UK, around the world, and out in space.
For this Space Lates, we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 17 – the last crewed mission to the Moon. Explore the achievements of the Apollo Program and its lasting legacy. Come along to hear from scientists and special guests with a unique insight into lunar exploration.
We’ve curated a special evening packed with guest speakers, interactive workshops and live demos, planetarium shows, and stargazing.
Explore our galleries after-hours and finish your evening with a live astronomy session with Leicester Astronomical Society (weather permitting).
Guest Talks
-
![Dark Sky]()
The Legacy of Apollo
- 18:15 and 19:15
Nick Howes (Space R&D/Test Analyst) – BMT Defence and Security
This lavishly-illustrated talk takes audiences through the glory of the Apollo missions, from the birth of the Apollo program to the final footsteps left on the Moon, and asks: what next? What happens when we go back? And why did it take so long to return?
-
![Grimshaw Architects National Space Cenre Leicester ┬®Hufton+Crow 022 Tif]()
The Goodwill Moon Rock
- 18:15 and 19:15
Dermot Gethings FRAS (Vice Chair) – Preston & District Astronomical Society
In December 1972, Dermot was chosen to be the UK Student Ambassador for the Apollo 17 mission, touring NASA facilities throughout the USA, attending the Apollo 17 launch and becoming the custodian of the Apollo 17 Goodwill Moon Rock. Hear about Dermot’s story as a 15-year-old at the culmination of the Apollo Program.
-
![Polar Express Train Wide 58Bc29549d03a29553561500028fb0cb457fe074]()
Hidden Figures Behind Apollo
- 19:15 and 20:15
Catherine Muller (Space Communications Presenter) – National Space Centre
Around 400,000 people were involved behind the scenes to make the Apollo Program a success. In this talk, Catherine shares some of the key contributions from a handful of these often-overlooked hidden figures.
Planetarium Show
-
![LMOTM]()
Last Man on the Moon – Apollo 17
- 18:30 or 19:30 (select when booking)
We are delighted to be screening a special preview of a new edition, focused on Apollo 17, of the multi-award-winning documentary THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON. Each of the screenings will be introduced by the director himself, Mark Craig as he joins us to celebrate this notable anniversary.
This short film celebrates the 50th anniversary of the mission, its crew and those who supported humanity’s most recent journey to the Lunar surface.
THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON – APOLLO 17 has extensive new material including commander Gene Cernan’s never-before-heard words to the next US astronauts to leave their footprints on the Moon, which we now know as the ARTEMIS generation. The film honours the past, and looks forward to the future.
A Mark Stewart Productions/Haviland Digital movie, THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON – APOLLO 17 is directed by Mark Craig, produced by Gareth Dodds and Keith Haviland, and executive produced by Mark Stewart.’
Book Tickets
Activities
-
![Spacelates Dec Web Graham Ensor Collection 600X0 C Default]()
Space Rocks – Mysteries Unlocked
- 18:00-21:00 (drop in)
Displayed from the Graham Ensor Collection, the exhibit will feature the largest Lunar meteorite in the UK, a large Moon globe and many other Apollo-related items. You’ll also have the chance to own your own piece of the Moon from Martin Goff of MSG Meteorites.
-
![Book Goodwill Moon Rock 600X0 C Default]()
Book signing – The Goodwill Moon Rock by Dermot Gethings
- 19:00-20:00
Following his talks, Dermot will be signing and selling copies of his self-published book ‘The Goodwill Moon Rock’.
-
![Spacelates Dec Web Space Oddities 600X0 C Default]()
Space Oddities
- 18:00-21:00
Head to our Space Oddities Gallery currently filled with unusual Apollo related objects and discover some of the less well-known stories in space history.
-
![Parachute Ball Inflight 600X0 C Default]()
Apollo 17 EDL Parachute Model
- 18:00-21:00 (drop in)
When the Apollo missions returned to Earth, the command module carrying astronauts splashed down in the ocean. Create your own Apollo 17 EDL (entry, descent and landing) parachute model with Greg Duffy, a STEM Ambassador with ESERO-UK.
-
![Hidden Figures Trail 600X0 C Default]()
Hidden Figures Trail
- 18:00-21:00 (self-guided)
Often forgotten and out of the spotlight, the profiles of eight people who played key roles in the Apollo Program will be dotted around the gallery floor. Grab a trail and see if you can discover our hidden figures.
-
![Under Pressure 600X0 C Default]()
Under Pressure – Staying Alive in Space
- 18:00-21:00 (drop in)
The Moon has an extremely thin atmosphere, so spacesuits were vital to keeping the Apollo astronauts alive. Join staff from the National Space Centre with live demos to show what happens to our bodies when there’s no air.
-
![Leicester Astronomical Society]()
Stargazing
- 18:00-21:00 (drop in)
Join the night sky experts from the Leicester Astronomical Society for a session of star gazing*.
*Weather permitting
About Space Lates
All talks and activities are aimed at adults and families interested in science.
Children are welcome; however, parents/guardians need to decide if children are happy to attend accessible and engaging 30-minute talks.
You are free to explore our galleries throughout the night.
Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open.
Hot food must be pre-ordered when purchasing your ticket.
Our café will be open throughout the evening.
FAQs
