Space Lectures

29/08/2026

For my friends sitting on the fence, for this to happen you need to get behind my good friend Rowland Lindill the The Armchair Astronaut. It is the first time Doug Hurley has spoken in the U.K. even in America he is a very rare speaking engagements. This is a real coup!! See you there 🚀🚀🚀

🚀 This is your opportunity to meet an astronaut who stood at the end of one era of human spaceflight, and at the beginning of another.
On Saturday 7th November, NASA astronaut Doug Hurley will join us in Cranfield, Bedfordshire for our Autumn Space Social 2026.

Doug was the pilot of STS-135, the final Space Shuttle mission. Nine years later, he was commander of SpaceX Demo-2, the first crewed Dragon mission. Only Doug can tell that story from personal experience.

You'll hear Doug speak live, have the opportunity to ask your own questions, and receive a personal autograph. You'll also be able to meet fellow space enthusiasts and explore our space-themed exhibitor area.
For those wanting the complete experience, the VIP Experience continues into the evening with premium seating, a three-course dinner with Doug and additional opportunities.

This isn't simply an opportunity to hear an astronaut talk about space. It's an opportunity to meet someone who helped make spaceflight history.

🎟️ Tickets are available now:
https://thearmchairastronaut.co.uk/doug-hurley

If you've been thinking about joining us, this is the time to book your place.

17/08/2026

Our American friends, a new exhibition with talk and book signing by Apollo Remastered!

Tranquility Base here, the photos have landed! Experience some of the clearest images ever produced from Gemini and Apollo in “Armstrong Remastered,” a photography exhibit featuring the work of world-renowned image specialist Andy Saunders.

Exhibition opening: September 26th

Link in the comments below ⬇️

12/08/2026

We can truly say that we have a unique picture to share on World Elephant Day.

This photo was taken during a world tour (or "Fourth Orbit") of John Glenn's Mercury Friendship 7 spacecraft in Sri Lanka. More on the blog: https://s.si.edu/4mc2SHQ

05/08/2026

BOOK NOW! 🚀

Autumn Space Social
Saturday 7th November 2026
Cranfield University Campus
Bedfordshire, UK

The Armchair Astronaut

🎟️ Tickets: https://thearmchairastronaut.co.uk/doug-hurley

🚀 Every astronaut starts somewhere.
Long before he piloted the final Space Shuttle mission or commanded the first crewed SpaceX Dragon flight, Doug Hurley was a U.S. Marine Corps pilot with a passion for aviation.
After graduating from University with a degree in Civil Engineering, Doug flew more than 25 different types of aircraft before being selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2000.
Becoming an astronaut isn't simply about flying spacecraft. It takes years of training, discipline, teamwork and the ability to perform under immense pressure.
Those qualities would eventually see Doug entrusted with two of the most significant missions in modern spaceflight history.

On Saturday 7th November, you'll have the opportunity to hear Doug share his remarkable journey in person at our Autumn Space Social.
🎟️ Tickets: https://thearmchairastronaut.co.uk/doug-hurley

What do you think is the most important quality an astronaut needs?

02/08/2026

22/07/2026

Apollo 11. Rarely seen shot of Eagle, the Moon and Earthrise, taken on this day, July 21, 1969.
Mike Collin's alternate photo is extremely well known, but this one - shown remastered and cropped - is an absolute beauty!

20/07/2026

16/07/2026

09/07/2026

7 tickets still available! What are you waiting for? Book now

✈️ NASA astronaut Daniel Tani has arrived in the UK! 🇬🇧🚀
After months of planning, we're delighted to welcome Dan ahead of our Summer Space Social 2026 this Saturday.
We can't wait to introduce him to our amazing community for a day of talks, live audience Q&A's, photos, autographs and plenty of memorable moments.
If you've not booked yet, there's still time to join us. Last 7 tickets available.

📅 Saturday 11th July
📍 Cranfield, Bedfordshire
🎟 https://thearmchairastronaut.co.uk/dan-tani

23/06/2026

One of the nicest things about organising astronaut events is reading the feedback afterwards.
While people often come because of the astronaut, many leave talking about something else entirely; the atmosphere, the conversations, the people they met... the feeling of spending a day surrounded by others who share the same fascination with space exploration.

That's always been our aim: not simply to host a talk, but to create an experience that people remember long after the event has finished.

As we get closer to Summer Space Social 2026, I'd like to thank everyone who has supported our events over the years and helped build such a welcoming and enthusiastic community.

If you've joined us before, what was your favourite part of the experience?
If you're joining us in July, what are you most looking forward to?

🚀 Summer Space Social 2026
📅 Saturday 11th July 2026
📍 Cranfield, Bedfordshire
🚗 Free parking available
🚆 Easy rail access via Bedford & Milton Keynes stations
🎟 Tickets & information: https://thearmchairastronaut.co.uk/dan-tani