Tim Peake’s Soyuz spacecraft docks in Belfast

London, UK – 20^th February 2019 – On Wednesday 20^th February Tim Peake’s, the UK’s first European Space Agency astronaut, famous Soyuz TMA-19M capsule will arrive at the Ulster Transport Museum, Belfast, the final stop on the spacecraft’s national tour.

Presented by Samsung and the Science Museum Group, The National Tour of Tim Peake’s Spacecraft includes the Soyuz TMA-19M capsule – complete with equipped interior and char marks on its outer body from its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere – and is displayed along with its 25-metre diameter parachute and the Sokol KV-2 spacesuit Peake wore during his high-speed descent back to Earth. As Samsung UK’s flagship CSR programme, the aim of this partnership is to inspire millions of people across the UK by bringing to life the wonder of space travel, sparking a curiosity in life-long learning.

Accompanying the spacecraft is the unique Space Descent VR experience. With the help of Samsung Gear VR technology, Space Descent VR places visitors at the heart of Major Tim Peake’s historic 250-mile return voyage to Earth from the ISS and is voiced by the astronaut himself. Samsung and the Science Museum Group will also continue its unique education outreach programme for KS3/4 students with Samsung’s 360° immersive and interactive double decker ‘Space Descent VR experience’ bus going into schools and working with the Science Museum Group in the area to deliver Soyuz Rocket Shows, all geared to help students engage with space and the inspirational science and technologies behind space travel.

Tim Peake reliving his journey back to earth with the the unique Space Descent VR experience with the help of Samsung Gear VR technology

School children learning how to make rocket fuel on a Samsung Tablet aboard the Space Decent Bus

Linda Nolan, Marketing Director of Samsung Ireland said:

“We’re excited to be working with the Science Museum Group and the Ulster Transport Museum to help bring this piece of modern history to life by using technology such as Virtual Reality. Through this incredible experience we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists. Samsung is passionate about inspiring future generations and this is why we’re particularly proud of our outreach work into more than 60 schools throughout the Tour. We look forward to welcoming students from local schools on board our Space Descent VR Experience Bus”

Director of the Science Museum Group, Sir Ian Blatchford, said: “It is rare to see the star objects in Britain’s great museum collections touring the length and breadth of the country. I am thrilled that so many thousands of people have had the opportunity to see this extraordinary artefact of recent space history on its tour to date. I look forward to seeing the Soyuz capsule on display at the Ulster Transport Museum, where it will give even more people the opportunity to be inspired by and learn more about Peake’s recent space mission.

Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said the exhibition, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors, is befitting of the Ulster Transport Museum.

“We’re delighted to work in partnership with the Science Museum Group and Samsung to bring the historic capsule to the Ulster Transport Museum for the final stop in what has been, and continues to be, a stimulating and engaging national touring exhibition.  The arrival of Tim Peake’s spacecraft opens a new chapter for the story of transportation chronicled at the museum.”

She added “The exhibition will enhance our visitors’ experience by complementing the extensive collection of transport exhibits we have on display. The craft itself represents the very best in human ingenuity and feats of engineering, a historical narrative which is charted throughout the Ulster Transport Museum through a rich collection which showcases the innovation and feats of engineering of people from this part of the world.”

Samsung and the Science Museum Group are also running a nationwide prize draw between the 19^th February and the 5^th March for any primary or secondary schools enter for a chance to win a visit from the Space Decent Bus^[[1]. To find out more information on the National Tour of Tim Peake’s Spacecraft and the price draw check out  https://www.samsung.com/uk/spacedescent/

[1] To enter you must be a UK Residents aged 18+