There are very few opportunities in the UK to spend meaningful time with a real NASA astronaut in an intimate, community environment.
Our Space Socials are designed not as a theatre show, but as a genuine community experience where space enthusiasts, families, students and professionals can come together to hear first-hand experiences, live and in-person, from an astronaut.
Experience an Inspiring Journey to Space...
Step inside the world of human spaceflight with veteran NASA astronaut Douglas Hurley, the last astronaut to Pilot the Space Shuttle, and Commander of the historic SpaceX Demo-2 first crewed Dragon mission.
This is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand what it’s really like to pilot the Space Shuttle, command a spacecraft and help usher in a new era of human spaceflight. From the final Space Shuttle mission to the return of crewed launches aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon, Doug will share the stories behind some of the most significant moments in modern space exploration.
You'll also have the opportunity to ask your own questions during our live audience Q&A, making this a genuinely interactive and memorable experience.
Our Space Social events bring together people who share a fascination with space; from curious beginners and families to students, educators and industry professionals. Whether you come on your own or with friends or family, you'll be part of a welcoming and passionate community. If you've ever wondered what it takes to pilot a spacecraft, command a mission and witness history from the cockpit, this is your opportunity to hear the story from someone who lived it.
Ticket Options
General Admission
12pm-4pm, Saturday 7th November 2026.
Vincent Building, Central Avenue, Wharley End, Bedford, MK43 0JR.
Price: £49.00
Perfect for families, space enthusiasts and anyone who has ever wondered what it is really like to live and work in space.
12:00pm
- Access to our exhibitor area featuring space memorabilia, meteorites, space art, STEM organisations and more.
1:00pm
- Opportunity to purchase an optional professional Meet & Greet Photo with Doug Hurley, including mounted print (signed) and digital download.
2:00pm
- Live Astronaut Talk with Douglas Hurley.
- Interactive Audience Q&A where you can ask your own questions.
- In-Person Meet & Greet Autograph. Every guest receives one autograph and the opportunity for a brief one-to-one interaction with Douglas as their item is signed.
4:00pm
- Event Closes
Everyone gets one free autograph!
Suitable for all ages.
VIP Experience
12pm-10pm, Saturday 7th November 2026.
Mitchell Hall, College Road, Wharley End, Bedford, MK43 0AL.
Price: £149.00
The complete Douglas Hurley experience!
Enjoy every part of the event from start to finish with our most comprehensive ticket package, combining the daytime event and exclusive evening dinner. VIP guests receive priority seating in the front section during Doug's live talk, ensuring the best views and closest access throughout the main event.
12:00pm
- All the benefits of General Admission with priority front center seating during the live talk and audience Q&A.
6:00pm
- 3 course dinner followed by Tea/Coffee
- Live after-dinner talk
- Live audience Q&A
- VIP Award presentation for veteran VIP attendees
- Fundraising space/astronaut memorabilia auction.
- TWO additional meet & greet autographs.
10:00pm
- Event Closes
Please note the daytime and evening events take place in two different buildings, an approximate 4 minute walk apart.
2026 Astronaut Appearances & Space Events
The Armchair Astronaut is pleased to support the space community by listing relevant third-party events on our website.
We provide these listings as a service to our audience, offering clear and factual information about activities taking place across the space sector in the UK and Europe. We do not receive any commission or benefits.
Listings are provided for informational purposes only and do not represent endorsement, sponsorship, or partnership. All event information is supplied by the organiser. Details and links are verified by us when published but the organiser remains responsible for the event and any updates.
Attending any of these events?
Please leave a review and help shape the future of live Astronaut events in the UK and Europe.
Sandra Magnus
Iceland Eclipse 2026
Iceland Eclipse 2026
Iceland Eclipse 2026
12th - 15th August 2026
Snæfelsness Peninsula, Iceland
Astronauts:
- Chris Boshuizen
- Jeanette Epps
- Ron Garan
- Joan Higginbotham
- Christopher Huie
- Sian Proctor
- Sara Sabry
- Keisha Schahaff
- Amelie Schoenenwald
"ORIGINS" Live Show
"ORIGINS" Live Show
"ORIGINS" Live Show
Friday 21st August 2026
A breathtaking live theatre experience that takes you on an unforgettable journey through space and time, from the explosive birth of the universe to the remarkable story of Earth today.
Tim Peake
"ORIGINS" Live Show
"ORIGINS" Live Show
24th September - 14th October 2026
"ASTRONAUTS: The Quest To Explore Space" stage show.
16 locations across England.
Save The Date
"ORIGINS" Live Show
Save The Date
Saturday 7th November 2026
Cranfield, UK
Tickets available from Saturday 11th July 2026 when guest speaker is announced.
Our Space Community Partners
When will you meet an Astronaut?
... because "once in a lifetime" is never enough!
Our Previous Missions...
Mike Foale
Susan Kilrain
Charlie Duke
Milton Keynes, UK June 2017
Charlie Duke
Susan Kilrain
Charlie Duke
Milton Keynes, UK September 2017
Click here to read some of the reviews and feedback received from guests at this event.
Susan Kilrain
Susan Kilrain
Cranfield, UK May 2025
Click here to read some of the reviews and feedback received from guests at this event.
Chris Sembroski
Cranfield, UK March 2026
Click here to read some of the reviews and feedback received from guests at this event.
