WORCESTER’s historic cathedral has been short-listed as one of just five potential venues in the Midlands for Tim Peake’s Soyuz Spacecraft to be exhibited later this year.
The city landmark could welcome thousands of visitors from across the region to take a peek at the iconic part of the British astronaut’s voyage to the International Space Station.
In June 2016, after six months orbiting the Earth on the International Space Station conducting experiments, walking in space and even running a marathon, Tim Peake returned in the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module.
Now, this historic spacecraft is set to inspire a generation of people all over the country as Samsung and the Science Museum Group present The National Tour of Tim Peake’s Spacecraft.
Launching during the UK-Russia Year of Science and Education, the spacecraft’s display celebrates the truly global effort behind space exploration today.
Science Museum chiefs launched a national tour in September which will see the spacecraft visit eight locations across the UK over two years, giving hundreds of thousands the chance to see this iconic object up close.
Seven venues across have been selected to host the tour so far, with one more space remaining.
Should the Cathedral be successful in its bid – expected to be announced in March – the Soyuz will be showcased in the Cathedral Nave which dates back to the 12th and 14th centuries and is a testament to the ambition of people in this period to push the boundaries around aspiration and excellence
Dean of Worcester Cathedral, the Very Rev Dr Peter Atkinson said: “It is an exciting prospect to be able to host such a significant piece of modern national history in a vastly contrasting historic setting.
“It would be a unique opportunity for members of the general public from all over the Midlands and further afield, who have watched the story of space travel unfold.
“It would also be an inspiration for younger people whose imaginations were captured by Tim Peake’s voyage to the International Space Station, to experience and savour for many years to come.
“The nave has magnificent high soaring gothic architecture and an impressive Victorian marbled floor and would be a superb backdrop for this exciting display,” he added.
The Cathedral’s rival are expected to be unveiled today (Wednesday). Visit worcesterobserver.co.uk for the latest news.
