The National Space Centre has taken first place in the Space Achievement – Media, Broadcast and Written, Team category at this year’s prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Awards.
Hosted by the British Interplanetary Society, the “Arthurs” celebrate outstanding contributions to space exploration and communication across the UK. The National Space Centre’s winning entry, Mission Bake, impressed judges with its creative blend of science, storytelling, and baking.
Picture credit: National Space Centre
Developed in collaboration with Dr Josh Smalley, a Great British Bake Off finalist and researcher at the University of Leicester, Mission Bake is an Instagram series that uses inventive bakes to explain complex space and science concepts. From “planet macarons” and “rocky road meteorites” to a glowing “Europa trifle” and “lightsaber breads,” each episode draws inspiration from the National Space Centre’s vast collection of artefacts.
The series has proved so popular that it has evolved into a live science show, featured at events including the UK in Space Festival, Edinburgh Science Festival, and Leicester Food Festival.
Lucy Hallam, Photographer and Videographer at the National Space Centre, reflected on the creative challenge behind the project:
“It has been an interesting challenge learning how to explain scientific concepts through the medium of baking and then work out how to turn those ideas into interesting stories that fit within a 90-second limit! I am very proud of the series and from the first episode we have been delighted with the public response, especially when people tell us that they are making the bakes with their families or youth groups.”
She added: “It’s an honour to have won this award recognising the hard work our team have put into creating Mission Bake, and it has been great to work with someone as positive and enthusiastic as Josh!”
Behind the scenes, Mission Bake has been a true collaborative effort between the National Space Centre and the University of Leicester, involving research, scripting, fact-checking, and filming both at the Space Centre and the university’s Science Kitchen.
Dr Smalley said the project had been a “joy to bring to life”: “I have loved exploring creative ways to weave the space and science into each recipe while showcasing a wide variety of bakes throughout the series. From filming in the Science Kitchen and around the Space Centre, to taking our stage show up to Edinburgh, it’s been an amazing mix of interactive videos, recipe resources and live action shows.”
He added: “The best part, though, has to be seeing how the episodes are received and hearing from people who’ve recreated the bakes themselves. Working with Lucy and the brilliant team at the Space Centre has been incredible, and having that work recognised with this award feels both humbling and deeply rewarding.”
The National Space Centre team is now looking ahead to the Leicestershire Promotions Tourism & Hospitality Awards in December, where they have been shortlisted in three categories — including Large Visitor Attraction, a nomination that could see them advance to the VisitEngland Awards next year.
