The trip began with a welcome session and an introductory film before students attended a lecture on the Cold War space race from both the American and Soviet perspectives, led by lecturers from the University of Manchester.

After lunch, students took part in a primary sources workshop investigating the question: What was Jodrell Bank’s role in the Space Race? This allowed them to work with real historical evidence and consider how scientists in Britain contributed to tracking spacecraft and gathering data throughout the height of the Cold War.

Alongside the academic sessions, students enjoyed exploring the site itself, including the exhibitions in the First Light Pavilion. A highlight for many was seeing the famous Lovell Telescope up close and learning about how it has been used to observe space for decades.

It was a fascinating and enjoyable day that helped bring students’ learning about the Cold War and the Space Race to life