One of the largest space exhibitions in the UK has landed in Henley.

The Space Vault Exhibition opened at the River & Rowing Museum on Monday, July 1, when it kicked off a five-year public tour.

This exhibition is a chance for the public to get up close and personal with the history of space exploration and Oxford’s pivotal role in the UK's space industry.

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Visitors to the exhibition can feast their eyes on some of the rarest and most historic objects of human space exploration.

From lunar dust brought back from Apollo 15's mission to the relics of both Soviet and US space adventures, there will be plenty to take in.

Other items on display are mission checklists from the Apollo 13 mission, space suit umbilicals from Commander Dave Scott, and even the heatshield of Salyut 7 – one of the most significant pieces of space junk to have returned to Earth and been auctioned.

Guests are also able to hear 11 stories of human space exploration.

Having first debuted at the European Space Agency near Oxford, the Henley exhibition is the first in a five-year public tour across the UK and Europe.

The exhibition comes with additional evening events like guided tours, live rocket launches, and behind-the-scenes sessions.

There will also be talks from notable space historians, engineers, astronomers and others.

Steve O'Connor, director of the museum, said: "We can’t wait to launch The Space Vault Exhibition at our museum.

"This unique exhibit offers an unparalleled opportunity for our visitors to experience the awe-inspiring history and future of space exploration up close and discover Oxfordshire’s importance in the UK space industry.

"Henley and the surrounding areas are rich with compelling stories and, as part of our new strategic plan, we’re committed to opening those stories up to an even broader audience.”

Dr Michael Warner, director of the exhibition, said: "We are delighted that the next run of The Space Vault Exhibition is to be in Henley-on-Thames.

"Oxfordshire is the heart of the UK space sector, with both the European and UK space agencies located in the county, alongside the UK Space Cluster – a grouping of 30 of the UK’s fastest growing space-related companies on the Harwell Campus near Oxford.

“In preparation for its run in Henley we have invested further in the Exhibition, with an immersive audio/visual experience, outstanding new artifacts, including ‘Vald’ our Soviet cosmonaut, and a truly unique series of guest talks and events."