Two English Anglican cathedrals are contending for the opportunity to host a renowned spacecraft within their walls.
The Soyuz TMA-19M capsule was used in 2015 for a historic voyage to the International Space Station; its crew of three included British astronaut Tim Peake. Peterborough and Worcester cathedrals are now vying for the privilege of hosting the Russian-made rocket on its tour of the UK, according to ACNS.
'We are thrilled to have been shortlisted as a possible venue for Tim Peake's spacecraft,' said Canon Tim Alban Jones, the Acting-Dean of Peterborough. 'It would be wonderful to celebrate our 900th anniversary year by showing such a futuristic exhibition in our ancient cathedral.
'Our schools and families department are itching to engage young people with all the learning opportunities this presents. We have a memorial in the cathedral to the 20th century amateur astronomer, George Alcock, who is regarded as one of the most dedicated comet and nova-hunters of all time. We'd love to be part inspiring a new generation with this enthusiasm for space, should our bid be successful.'
The Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft has previously been exhibited at London's Science Museum, in the possession of the Science Museum Group; it was the first first flown, human-rated spacecraft to have be acquired by the UK. Russian Yuri Malenchenko, American Timothy Kopra and Briton Tim Peake piloted the vehicle in late 2015 before returning with the remaining capsule in June 2016.
Peter Atkinson, the Dean of Worcester, said he was 'delighted' at the 'exciting prospect'. He added: 'It would facilitate 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 or 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 Cathedral Nave, where Soyuz could be on display, 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. It has magnificent high soaring gothic architecture and an impressive Victorian marbled floor and would be a superb backdrop for this exciting display.'
Science Museum Group director Ian Blatchford said he was 'delighted at the prospect of some of these experiences coming outside of a traditional museum setting.' The other contenders in the competition are Birmingham's Millennium Point, The Forum in Norwich, or TR2 in Plymouth. The winner, decided by a judging panel, will be announced in March and the exhibit would take place from August to November this year.
