Mission Bake at National Space Centre launches with University Bake Off star

The National Space Centre will be joining forces with University of Leicester scientist and The Great British Bake Off finalist Dr Josh Smalley for Mission Bake, a series of exciting videos on Instagram launching on 10 May, which will see him taking on a different space-themed baking challenge each month whilst learning more about space and science

Josh, who is from Leicester and works as a chemistry researcher at the University of Leicester, will be making a series of bakes from edible meteorites to space food and astronaut ice cream whilst teaching viewers about rockets, meteorites, and the science behind creating the tastiest and best-looking bakes. Inspired by the artefacts on display at the visitor attraction, Josh will then head to his Science Kitchen at the University to show you how to make the space-themed creations. 

Josh Smalley said: “I'm so incredibly excited to be working with the National Space Centre on this new project Mission Bake. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the wonders of space and the many amazing artefacts at the Space Centre through the art of baking.

“There will be bakes for everyone to try at home as a family, along with some out of this world showstoppers which will hopefully inspire other creations of your own. So buckle up and let's get ready to go on this journey of space bakes! We will be taking lots of recommendations along the way so you can already begin to think of what things you would like to see.”

Paul Millington, Content Manager at the National Space Centre, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Josh on Mission Bake. He has an amazing passion for bringing science to life and through this series he’ll be using his incredible baking skills to inspire people of all ages to get interested in space and science. 

“I’m particularly looking forward to some of the showstoppers he’s going to attempt later in the year including making an Apollo lunar lander out of cake and we have some special Christmas bakes in the plans too.” 

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Josh in his new role as Science Communication and Engagement Champion at the University of Leicester in order to make chemistry, and science in general, more accessible to those in the city, county and beyond.

“Josh brings incredible passion to his work - he lit up our screens last year with his amazing bakes that embraced his skills as a scientist with his enthusiasm for baking. Josh has now established a Science Kitchen at the University of Leicester which we will combine with the fantastic public engagement work of the National Space Centre to have the perfect ingredients to showcase inspirational science to everyone.”

Keep an eye out on Josh Smalley and the National Space Centre’s Instagram, @joshpsmalley and @spacecentre for the videos, launching on 10 May.