Secrets of sharing iconic space heritage to be revealed in Leicester
A leading figure from London’s world-famous Science Museum is set to reveal the challenges of sharing historic spacecraft and space artefacts with the public to an audience in Leicester.
Space Curator Doug Millard will explore the remarkable story behind the display of historic spacecraft and space artefacts during a free talk at Space Park Leicester later this month.
His talk, which shall take place at 2pm on Thursday, June 25, at Space Park Leicester, will focus on how the Science Museum brought the Vostok 6 spacecraft that carried Valentina Tereshkova – the first woman in space – to the Museum.
Dr Eleanor Armstrong, a Space Research Fellow at Space Park Leicester and the Institute for Humanity and Space, said:
“Drawing on decades of experience curating some of the world's most significant space exhibitions, Doug will share insights into the preservation, interpretation and exhibition of space heritage, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on how museums tell the story of humanity's exploration of space.
“Whether you are interested in space history, museum curation, science communication or the future of space exploration, this will be a fascinating talk from one of the UK's leading space historians and curators.
“Doug has produced numerous exhibitions, is currently developing new displays at the Science Museum and is researching the history of UK space activity.
“This is an incredible opportunity for people in and around Leicester to hear from one of the leading experts in this field.”
Doug is also an author who has lectured widely and appeared on television and radio.
In 2012, he co-organised, with the UK Space Agency, a conference marking the 50th anniversary of Ariel 1, the world’s first international satellite. He served as Senior Curator for the acclaimed Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age exhibition and later oversaw its transfer to Moscow.
Doug also led the acquisition of the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module, used by Yuri Malenchenko, Tim Kopra and Tim Peake during their 2015-16 mission, alongside the associated virtual reality experience Space Descent VR.
Doug’s talk will be held as part of the Space Park Conservations series of lectures organised by the University of Leicester’s £100m space research, innovation and teaching hub in collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity & Space. The talk, called The Flights of the Seagull: Bringing Tereshkova’s Spacecraft (and Rubin) to the Science Museum, will take place at 2pm on Thursday, June 25, at Space Park Leicester. To secure your free place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-conversation-with-doug-millard-of-the-science-museum-tickets-1990777206214
To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit space-park.co.uk or to learn more about the University of Leicester visit le.ac.uk/.
Main image: Doug Millard, Deputy Keeper of Technologies and Engineering in the Exploring Space Gallery within the Science Museum (SCM). Photographed in front of the Black Arrow Models on the 13th May 2025. © Science Museum Group
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