Guildford hosts inclusive space event for World Space Week
High street takeover showcases accessibility and local industry
Guildford's high street is being transformed today into a showcase for the town's space industry in celebration of World Space Week.
Organised by the University of Surrey and the Institute of Physics, the event runs from 10 am to 4 pm at Tunsgate Quarter Shopping Centre and is free to attend.
Accessibility is a key feature of this year's event, with Guildford House (located at 155 High Street) hosting a dedicated SEN-friendly zone.
This area is designed to offer neurodiverse visitors and those with sensory or additional needs a calmer environment to explore space science.
Local industry also plays a central role in the event, with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd displaying models, propulsion tanks, circuit boards, and satellite panels.
Visitors will also be able to learn about Guildford's thriving space business community at the Surrey Research Park stand.
Highlights of the day include opportunities for young people to wear a space suit, use telescopes, and see demonstrations from the Surrey Space Centre.
Dr Noelia Noel from the University of Surrey explains the local area has a proud history of developing space technology
"We have a very, Guildford has an extraordinary space heritage. The University of Surrey and Surrey Space Centre have been part of the development of a small satellite for decades.
This isn't just something happening thousands of miles away at NASA. There are people designing and building space based technology and doing astrophysics research like myself here in Guildford."
Noel adds that being able to showcase what the university does to the public is something she particularly enjoys
"It's one of my favourite events of the year because we essentially bring space out of the university, and right into the heart of Guildford.
One thing that I love about the World Space Week on the high street is that people don't need to come to us. We are coming to the people.
Astronomy has this wonderful ability to make people stop and ask enormous questions. What's out there? Where do we come from? Could there be life out there?"