Rocket Science and the New Space Race

Rocket launch

Event schedule details

Sunday 8 June

14.00–14.55

Event location details

G16 Lecture Theatre

Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London

In 2023, the biggest rocket ever built underwent its first test flight. It has since completed numerous test flights, edging closer to the major industry milestone of helping land astronauts on the Moon and Mars.

It seems we are entering a new age of rocket science, with private companies playing a bigger role in directing space research and commercialisation. Innovation is happening across all frontiers, enabling the UK and the rest of the world to push the boundaries of discovery, shaping a sustainable and successful space economy for the future.

Join Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut and the host of the Zero Pressure podcast, and an expert panel to explore these opportunities and challenges, along with many other questions surrounding the future impact of rocket science. Excerpts from the discussion will form part of a special podcast episode.

Visitor information

Talks and discussions are intended for an adult audience and are best suited for ages 16+.

This event is one of the Spotlight Talks, and there will be advance tickets released for this event closer to the Festival weekend. 

If you have an advance ticket, please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

To see the precise location of where this talk is taking place, you can use what3words.com with the code 'ship.rips.congratulations'. 

This event has step-free access.

To attend the Festival, please make sure to register for free. Registering is the only way to receive the latest Festival updates, a first look at the programme, and opportunities to book free tickets for popular events.

Register now for the Festival >

Event categories

  • Adults
  • Talks and tours
Rocket launch