Josh creates Mission Bake showstopper to mark the 55th anniversary of moon landing

In a spectacular fusion of culinary art and space exploration, Great British Bake Off star Josh Smalley has teamed up with the National Space Centre in Leicester to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing.

As part of his Mission Bake collaboration with the Space Centre Josh has created a special showstopper bake to pay tribute to the monumental achievement that saw humans set foot on the moon for the first time.

On 20 July, 1969, NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by landing the Apollo 11 Lunar Module, Eagle, on the surface of the moon.

Josh who is a Science Communication and Engagement Champion for the University of Leicester created an elaborate, space-themed cake featuring intricate designs depicting the lunar module, and the iconic footprint on the moon.

Josh said: "As a baker, I find inspiration in many places, and the story of Apollo 11 is incredibly inspiring. It's a privilege to create something that honours such a pivotal moment in human history.”

The University of Leicester has a rich heritage in space research. In 1960, Professor Ken Pounds founded the Space Research Group at the University. The first Leicester-built instrument in space was launched aboard a Skylark rocket in 1961 and there has been at least one piece of Leicester-built equipment operating in space every year since 1967. Today, we are continuing to collaborate with international space agencies and developing Space Park Leicester, a global hub and community for space-related business and research.

Josh Barker, Education and Outreach Officer, at Space Park Leicester (SPL) said: “As we look back and celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Moon landings, we still see the legacy of that achievement driving us forward today. Learning from the Apollo programme, our new partners iSpace are working with our Space Nuclear Power group to develop power sources for the next generation of Lunar landers and Rovers.

“It is also great to see work on building the inspirational aspect of Lunar exploration. Our chemistry colleague Dr Josh Smalley working with our neighbours, the National Space Centre. They are challenging themselves to make ‘one giant leap in baking’ as they remake the engineering marvel of the Apollo Lander in cake form. The Moon landings continue to showcase the great things we achieve and as we look back and celebrate their work it gets the team here excited at what the next steps may hold.”

University of Leicester Chancellor Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, who is also a space scientist, said: “The Apollo 11 anniversary is very special to me, when I look at the moon it brings a smile to my face and Josh’s fantastic cake has done the same.”

Visit the National Space Centre's Instagram to see images of the cake and watch a behind the scenes video.