Space

Explore objects from our Collection and the stories behind them to discover more about the enthralling history of space exploration.

Stories about the space race

The space race to the Moon

On 20 July 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the Moon. But why had the race to the Moon become such a focus, and how did the Americans get there first?

The technology it took to get to the Moon

Discover the role of engineering, ingenuity and technology in getting a man on the Moon.

National Science and Media Museum

From the moon to your living room: The Apollo 11 broadcast

The televised Moon landing was an incredible milestone in broadcasting, the result of years of planning and technological development.

In pictures: The Black Arrow rocket

WATCH...Mission to Mercury: BepiColumbo

BepiColombo is the first ever two-spacecraft mission to Mercury, launched by the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The two satellites will go into separate orbits around Mercury, which will provide scientists with detailed sets of data giving a fuller picture of the planet.

Why we need artificial satellites

Getting directions, watching television, monitoring the weather, conducting scientific research—our lives have been fundamentally changed by thousands of satellites in orbit around Earth.

1:6 scale model of the Landsat 5 satellite against a black background

Seeing Earth from space: Flip-books to Google Earth

Satellite photography is a dramatic example of how computer graphics and remote imaging have changed the way we view our planet.

Telstar, Intelsat and the first global satellite broadcast

Discover the story of the technology that makes global live broadcasting possible.

Map of the Arabian gulf, with vignettes of inhabitants in native costume, 1714, detail

GPS navigation: from the Gulf War to civvy street

How did the use of satellite navigation affect recent conflicts, as well as civilian life?

Watch...

Find out how the Eurostar 3000 communication satellite was installed at the Science Museum.

More objects and stories

'Aurora Borealis' by Fredric Church, 1865

How does space weather affect the Earth?

Read about the largest geomagnetic solar storm on record and, millions of miles away, its impact on the Earth.

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Exploring Space

From rockets to satellites, probes to landers, this video playlist showcases some out-of-this world objects and stories exploring space.

Space technology

Collection Online

Explore examples of the technology needed to explore space, from satellites and spacecraft to astronauts' space suits and more.