Blast Off!

A Sleepover at the National Space Centre

For Scouts with a passion for space, Leicester's National Space Centre offered the adventure of a lifetime! Our Scouts recently had the unique opportunity to sleep overnight at this incredible museum, surrounded by rockets, planets, and stars. It was a journey filled with excitement, learning, and a lot of laughter. Here’s a look back at some of the unforgettable experiences we shared!

Igniting Curiosity: A Fiery Rocket Fuel Show

Our evening kicked off with a bang—quite literally! We attended a captivating talk and demonstration on rocket fuel. The speaker explained the science behind launching rockets and what it takes to blast off into space. Watching fuel ignite and learning about the chemical reactions was mesmerizing. The Scouts were full of questions, excitedly asking what types of fuel real rockets use and what the environmental impact might be. By the end, it wasn’t just their imaginations ignited; they had an inspired understanding of the science of space travel.

Defying Gravity: Marble Runs with Gravitrax

Next up, it was time to get hands-on with Gravitrax! Scouts worked together in teams to build marble runs that twisted, turned, and looped through the tracks. Creating these gravity-powered contraptions was a test of patience and creativity, and we were blown away by the impressive structures the teams built. Laughter and cheers filled the room as each marble completed its run, and the Scouts got a practical understanding of gravity, motion, and how objects move differently in space.

A Tour of the Night Sky

One of the highlights of the evening was a tour of the night sky in the planetarium. Lying back in our seats, we gazed up as constellations came to life above us. The guide took us on a journey through famous constellations, planets, and even distant galaxies. We learned how to spot planets and stars in our own backyards and heard fascinating myths about the stars. By the end, everyone was eager to stargaze in real life—if only the skies over Leicester were as clear as those in the planetarium!

Exploring the Space Centre’s Exhibits

The National Space Centre is packed with fascinating exhibits, and we had the chance to tour them all! From stepping inside a model space station to exploring the role of satellites, there was something exciting around every corner. Our Scouts got hands-on with displays, learning about everything from life on Mars to the science of black holes. Some of the Scouts even got to try on mock space gloves, which gave them a feel for what it’s like to handle tools in space!

Sleeping Among the Stars (Well, Almost!)

The final adventure of the night was the sleepover itself. Each Scout picked a spot in the exhibits to settle down for the night. Sleeping bags spread out under towering rockets and space capsules made for an unforgettable atmosphere. For many, the idea of "camping" in a museum was a new experience, and whispers filled the air long after lights-out, with Scouts recounting their favorite moments from the evening.

Life in Space: Astronauts in Action

In the morning, we headed back to the planetarium for a special show about life as an astronaut. We learned about how astronauts eat, sleep, and even brush their teeth in zero gravity. The Scouts were especially interested in the “space toilet”—and yes, we had lots of giggles! Seeing how astronauts manage their day-to-day lives and hearing about the challenges they face was inspiring. By the end of the show, a few Scouts were even convinced they wanted to be astronauts someday.

This trip to the National Space Centre was more than just a fun overnight—it was a chance to get inspired about science, teamwork, and exploration. Watching the Scouts learn, explore, and embrace new ideas reminded us of why these trips are so special. The young people left with unforgettable memories and a renewed curiosity about space.