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Will Humanity Thrive on Other Planets?

Astronaut on Mars graphic

Event schedule details

Saturday 15 June

16.30-17.25

Event location details

The Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre, Victoria and Albert Museum

Britain’s first astronaut Dr Helen Sharman hosts a discussion of the Earth technologies that could help us flourish beyond our home planet.

The Cold War Space Race spawned many technologies. Artificial limbs, water filtration systems and solar panels are just a few examples of so-called Space Technology Transfer - technologies developed for the space industry that found their way into terrestrial life.

But innovation also flows in the other direction. Could military and commercial technology from today help overcome challenges facing human settlement of the solar system?

Join Dr Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut and host of the Zero Pressure podcast, for an expert panel discussion exploring how the latest Earth technologies will help us flourish beyond our home planet.

Visitor information

Talks and discussions are intended for an adult audience and are most suitable for ages 14+.

This event is part of the Flourishing Futures talk series. The talk will have some advance tickets released to visitors closer to the Festival weekend as well as having drop in spaces on the day.

If you have an advance ticket, please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

This event has step-free access.

To attend the Festival, please make sure to register for free. Registering is the only way to receive the latest Festival updates, a first look at the programme, and opportunities to book free tickets for popular events.

Register now for the Festival

Event categories

  • Adults
  • Talks and tours
Astronaut on Mars graphic