Rocket Tower National Space Centre

[melodysparks]

Rocket Tower, a photo by Melodysparks (Chris Preedy) on Flickr.

The information boards about the tower says

The National Space Centre Rocket Tower houses the large artifacts - but it's also a space age sensation in itself. At 42 metres high, the tower is a landmark on the Leicester skyline. The futuristic chrysalis-like structure was designed by London archetect - Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners

The transparant skin of the tower is made of Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETfE) three layers of ETfE are sandwiched between steel girdersand then inflated with air. Silver dots are printed on the ETfE to reflect sunlight

Q. How are the rockets put in?
A. The front of the Rocket Tower can be 'unzipped' to get the rockets in and out. The ETfE skin can be detatched and the bottom six girders removed, leaving a 'door' 21 metres high and 6 metres wide.

Q. How is the Rocket Tower air-conditioned?
A. The Tower is heated by huge radiators which look rather like solar panels. In summer, louvered vents open at the top to cool things down. The vents close themselves automatically at the first sign of rain