06 February 2018
Newsdesk
Space Rocks is a brand new series of events celebrating space exploration and science, and the art, music and culture they inspire. Presented in association with ESA, the European Space Agency, it will be a unique gathering of the best and brightest from science and the creative arts, united by a common passion for the universe beyond our world, and what exploring it can tell us about our origins and future.
Taking place on Sunday 22 April at the indigo at The O2 in London, this first one-day event will be hosted by famed science broadcaster Dallas Campbell and runs across three separate ticketed sessions designed to inform, intrigue and entertain. Between and around the sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with world-famous space scientists and other representatives from ESA to discuss anything from life on other worlds to how to become an astronaut or rocket scientist, and even the prospects for interstellar travel. There will also be spacecraft models, demonstrations and the opportunity to buy Space Rocks merchandise and more.
Session One (12.30pm - 2.30pm) - Space Academy
Perfect for children (and their families), this session will feature demonstrations and discussions by ESA scientists, engineers and friends, including British ESA astronaut Tim Peake, astrophysicist Dr. Maggie Lieu, Antarctic medical researcher Dr. Beth Healey and Rosetta comet-lander project scientist Dr. Matt Taylor. From the most recent developments in space science to what is currently occupying the great minds of space exploration, this is an opportunity to get answers to those unanswered questions from the experts themselves. There will also be a rocket-design competition for the under-16s, with special space prizes to be won.
Session Two (3.30pm - 6pm) - Science Fiction vs. Space Fact
Science Fiction vs. Space Fact will look at popular portrayals of space and space exploration and see how they stack up next to the work being done every day, featuring ESA senior science advisor Professor Mark McCaughrean and science fiction bestseller Dr. Alastair Reynolds, with more names soon to be announced.
Session Three (7.30pm - 10.30pm) - Space Rocks Live with Charlotte Hatherley & Lonely Robot
The final session is live music from artists whose love of sci-fi and space travel has influenced their most recent albums - Charlotte Hatherley and Lonely Robot.
Charlotte Hatherley is a true musical polymath. Best known for her work as the guitarist for alt-rockers Ash, she is also a frequent collaborator with the likes of Bryan Ferry, KT Tunstall and XTC's Andy Partridge. Her current solo project is a cinematic, sci-fi-inspired breakup record, True Love, which will be making its live debut at Space Rocks.
A band whove been met with huge critical acclaim, Lonely Robot is helmed by the award-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer John Mitchell. Their 2017 album, The Big Dream, is the second of a three-album series that depicts the story of an astronaut's journey through deep space. This one-off show for the band follows a string of sold-out shows in 2017.
Prof. Mark McCaughrean, Senior Advisor for Science & Exploration at ESA and Space Rocks co-founder, says, "The response to our Rosetta comet-chasing mission was fantastic and captured the imaginations of children and adults around the world, as well as artists spanning music, painting, sculpture, film and much more. We wanted to create a more permanent 'home' where that shared passion for space, science and the arts can come together and inspire the next generation of explorers, whether they stay here on our precious planet, or venture out among the stars. Space Rocks is that place."
Alexander Milas, Twin V Ltd. director and Space Rocks co-founder, says, "If you've scanned the headlines you'll know there's never been a more exciting time for space exploration, and it isn't just inspiring scientists. Artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers have all felt the same gravitational pull at their hearts. With Space Rocks, we're launching a family-friendly and accessible celebration of that timeless fascination in partnership with one of the most remarkable organisations in the world. It's our goal to celebrate humankind's greatest pursuit, to entertain the space fans of today, and to inspire the explorers of tomorrow."
Tickets can be bought for individual sessions or for the entire day from www.spacerocksofficial.com
W: www.spacerocksofficial.com
FB: www.facebook.com/spacerocksofficial
T: @spacerockslive
Space Rocks
A brand new endeavour
presented in association with the European Space Agency
Sunday 22 April 2018 - indigo at The O2, London
Panellists confirmed so far:
Astronaut Tim Peake
Rosetta comet-lander project scientist Dr. Matt Taylor
Astrophysicist Dr. Maggie Lieu
Antarctic medical researcher Dr. Beth Healey
Science fiction author Dr. Alastair Reynolds
ESA senior science advisor and astronomer Prof. Mark McCaughrean
Live music from Charlotte Hatherley & Lonely Robot
Tickets on sale from 9am on 6 February via www.spacerocksofficial.com
