History In The Making - Part One

Instead of taking you into Leicester's past, this week we are going to tiptoe into Leicester's future.

In June of 1997, Leicester was selected to host a new landmark project - The National Space Science Centre (NSSC). This project was a joint bid, initiated by the University of Leicester and the Leicester City Council. Assisted by a grant for 23.25 million pounds - ( approximately $32.5 million) from the Millennium Commission, the space centre will also be funded by local businesses.

Believe me when I tell you, that this is a momentous occasion for Leicester. Not only did it have to compete with other towns in England for this honour, it also had to be ready to contribute funds of it's own to the project. The grant awarded, covers only part of the cost.

To Americans, who have the best space department in the World with NASA, I would imagine that this event is a little less exciting. But what if I was to tell you, that this project is actually linked to NASA? That in fact, the NSSC has reached an agreement, with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education in the USA, (backed by NASA), to establish the only facility outside North America! Would that perk up your interest a little?

If it does, then follow me as we determine what this space centre will have to offer and what it will mean for the city of Leicester.

The National Space Science Centre will provide an exciting combination of educational, research, and leisure activities concerned with space. The NSSC will build on the University of Leicester's international reputation in research and education related to astronomy, space and planetary science.

This project has already attracted extensive involvement, with support from local businesses and other community members. It is thought that the NSSC will lead to major renovation of the surrounding area of the city.

So what facilities will this new Space Centre have to offer the citizens of Leicester?

There are four main areas planned:

• A Visitor Centre
• Planetarium
• CATSAT Satellite
• Research Centre.

We'll explore the distinct parts of each of these in turn.

The Visitor Centre will look at the achievements and the potential of space exploration. It will offer a "hands-on" approach to displays, materials and activities. It's concept will be to accommodate people of all age groups. Plans for features include:

• The Hub
• Exploring the Universe
• Looking Up
• Space Now!
• Planet Earth
• Into Space

Although an International agency, it will pay specific attention to British and European contributions to space science.

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