Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is set to live stream NASA’s Artemis I Mission Launch between 1.33pm and 3:33pm on Monday,August 29.
The ticketed event, which will take place at Armagh Planetarium will see visitors experience the launch in real time and take part in a rocket launching workshop with the organisation’s experts.
The Artemis I mission is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions to the Moon. It is hoped that the uncrewed test flight will pave the way for a long-term lunar presence and serve as a steppingstone to send astronauts to Mars.
The live feed will see the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lift off for the first time from NASA’s modernised Kennedy Space Center in Florida in a bid to put humans back on the moon for the first time in 50 years.
The mission’s primary objectives are to demonstrate Orion’s systems in a spaceflight environment and to ensure a safe re-entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis II.
Armagh Observatory is partnering with global tech firm Cosm to live stream the immersive footage. Cosm are working with Emmy Award-winning Felix & Paul studios to capture the launch in 8K, live-streamed in 360-degree direct to dome, promising a unique and up-close look into humanity’s next ambitious foray into space.
Professor Michael G Burton, Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, says, “We are incredibly excited to be part of the international live stream of the Artemis I Mission launch.
“Space exploration is fascinating, and we hope that by screening this event, we will be able to inspire the next generation of astronauts and scientists to engage in STEM subjects.
“As the oldest operating planetarium in the UK and Ireland, Armagh Planetarium is a fitting venue for showcasing this ground-breaking event. The first Apollo missions were televised in black and white, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to join us as we watch the Artemis mission in an immersive and experiential way.”
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is sited in a heritage environment with a rich scientific history. The organisation delivers internationally recognised research in astronomy and related sciences and vibrant educational and outreach programmes for all ages.
Established in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, the Armagh Observatory is the oldest scientific institution in Northern Ireland and the longest continuously operating astronomical research institute in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Dr Eric Lindsay founded the Armagh Planetarium in 1968. The oldest operating Planetarium in the UK and Ireland, it celebrated 50 years as Northern Ireland’s public face of space and astronomy in May 2018.
To purchase tickets for the ‘Artemis Launch Day’ event, click here.
