Exploring Space

The fifth and final Black Arrow rocket, its predecessor made Britain the fifth nation to launch its own satellite.

• Black Arrow R4 launch vehicle, 1971.

This is a replica of one of the telescopes made by Galileo Galilei after he learnt of the invention of the telescope in 1608. The refracting telescope magnifies only 14 times yet gives a very restricted field of view. As a result, Galileo was only

• Replica of refracting telescope by Galileo, 1610

This V2 engine is one of several that were salvaged at the end of the Second World War by British forces.

• V2 rocket engine

The J-2 engine is one of the most important engines in the history of manned space flight.

• J-2 rocket engine

1:6 scale model of GIRD-09, the first Russian bi-propellant rocket, c. 1933

• GIRD-09, the first Soviet liquid-fuelled rocket, 1933.

Replica Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, 1957

• Sputnik 1 satellite, 1957.

Replica, Congreve Bombarding Frame 1806 and 32 lb carcass rockets: consisting of (a) ladder; (b) two rocket troughs; (c) two supporting legs for ladder; (d) tie bar for supporting legs; (e) gun bucket; (f) two 32lb Carcass rockets complete with stick

• Congreve Bombarding Frame, 1806.

Replica, Indian War Rocket late 18th century

• Indian military rocket, late 18th century.

This X-ray telescope mapped the centre of our galaxy

• Spacelab 2 X-ray telescope, 1985

Beagle 2 was sent to land on Mars.

• Beagle 2 replica, 2003

The Huygens spacecraft was the first to land on Titan.

• Huygens replica, 2005

Gamma 201 rocket engine (Black Knight type)

• Gamma 201 rocket engine, c. 1957.