A RECORD breaking British astronaut launched a new exhibit near Winchester.

Astronaut Michael Foale officially launched Explorer:Space at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium at Morn Hill.

Explorer:Space is a new ‘immersive space zone’ that takes families on an adventure through the universe, featuring hands-on exhibits from meteorites to stardust, robots to coding and atmospheric pressure to human space flight.

Michael Foale also gave a special presentation to hundreds of children from across Hampshire before unveiling Explorer:Space in front of invited guests as well as ‘An Evening with’ talk in the planetarium.

Ben Ward, chief executive of the centre, said: “Explorer:Space is a permanent addition for the centre, designed to wow families and ignite their curiosity in space. We’ve never had an exhibition like this – this impressive intergalactic set takes up the entire ground floor of the centre and represents the biggest investment we’ve made since the planetarium in 2008.”

Explorer:Space activities take place throughout the holidays.