Speaker Meeting - Rockets
Tue, Oct 20th 2026 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gary Newport - "What goes up doesn't necessarily come down!"
Astrophysics Lecturer Brings Space Exploration
Down to Earth at Bexhill Rotary
Rotary Club of Bexhill | Tuesday 20 October 2026
Members of the Rotary Club of Bexhill were taken on a journey from the launch pad to the Moon when lecturer in astrophysics Gary Newport addressed the club on Tuesday 20 October.
In an engaging and accessible talk, Gary explored how space rockets are launched and explained the crucial role of gravity in every mission. He described how spacecraft reach low Earth orbit—commonly known as LEO—and outlined why this region of space is so important for satellites, scientific research and preparations for journeys farther from Earth.
Gary also discussed Artemis, the programme designed to return people to the Moon and support future exploration. His talk considered the International Space Station (ISS), life and research in orbit, and the continuing scientific importance of the Moon.
A tennis ball provided a simple but memorable prop, helping to bring the scale, motion and forces involved in spaceflight to life. The demonstration made complex astrophysical ideas easier to visualise and prompted an enthusiastic response from members.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Phil, who expressed the club’s appreciation to Gary for an informative, thought-provoking and entertaining presentation.
