Our Fragile Space Exhibition Opens in Belfast

A ground-breaking photography exhibition has opened at ICC Belfast, aiming to raise awareness about the threat of human-made debris in space.

The 'Our Fragile Space: Protecting the Near-Space Environment’ exhibition, created by renowned space photographer and science communicator Max Alexander, showcases the escalating issue of space debris and its implications for Earth's orbital environment. It reinforces the urgent need for sustainable practices in space exploration.

Running from Wednesday 04 June to Thursday 03 July 2025 and sponsored by the UK Space Agency, Matrix NI and NI SPACE, this fascinating exhibition offers the public a chance to witness the problems posed by space debris through a series of thought-provoking images and text.

Coinciding with the In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) Conference which gathers leading space professionals to Belfast and takes place at ICC Belfast from the 04 to 05 June on the Arc Terrace, the ‘Our Fragile Space’ exhibition is a free, open-air exhibition accessible to all members of the public and attendees of the conference.

With an estimated 140 million pieces of space debris currently orbiting Earth, there is a very real threat of damage being caused to the people and technology operating in the space environment. As an example, a single stray bolt can travel at nearly five miles per second and would rip through a satellite with the force of a hand grenade. This exhibition underscores the threats these pose to satellites and space missions and draws attention to the necessity for immediate action.

Robert Hill, NI SPACE Cluster Manager and Chair of Matrix said,

“We are delighted to have Max Alexander’s striking collection of photographs on show in Belfast. Our burgeoning space industry is hugely important, providing the physical infrastructure for the global communication networks that underpin our interconnected world. However, this vital system of satellites is under threat from the growing problem of space debris and by highlighting this issue through Max’s exhibition, we hope to raise awareness to a much greater audience and potentially work together to ensure space sustainability.

The space sector in Northern Ireland really is at the forefront of discussions on space sustainability and this exhibition complements the ISAM Conference which welcomes experts from government, academia and industries who will be shaping the future of ISAM and advancing the sustainable use of near-Earth space.

The exhibition showcases groundbreaking efforts by companies like Astroscale, which is developing technologies to actively remove defunct satellites from orbit, and Privateer, which focuses on tracking space debris to prevent collisions.

Max Alexander, the exhibition’s photographer and creator commented,

I am excited to bring our touring exhibition to Belfast. The images have been designed to raise awareness about the vulnerability of the near space environment and highlight the challenge of space debris. 

"The exhibit shows the threat it poses to our environment and way of life whilst showcasing the people and initiatives leading the way in combatting the issue. I spent over a year travelling to rocket launches, observatories, and other space facilities in Europe and the US where I had the opportunity to meet with experts leading the way in research into the tracking, modelling, and mitigation of orbital debris. During the project, it quickly became apparent to me that, to help people understand the state of our near-space environment, I had to tell the wider story of how space has become intertwined with our everyday lives.”

The exhibition combines a series of unique images with the insights of space experts from Europe and beyond and gives the public the opportunity to engage with the real-world challenges and solutions in space sustainability.

Space sustainability is a priority for the UK, and the UK Space Agency takes a multifaceted approach to tackling it – from regulatory reform and international collaboration to agree new standards and develop best practice, to developing capabilities to prevent, track or remove space debris and investing in research to assess the impact of debris on Earth.

Rob McConnell Chief Executive, ICC Belfast commented,

“We are very much looking forward to the installation of the ‘Our Fragile Space’ photography exhibition created by Max Alexander. The exhibition highlights the vital role satellites play in everyday life – many of which we maybe don’t think of and confronts the issues and dangers space debris can cause. 

ICC Belfast is very well placed in terms of exhibition space and accessibility, and we are excited to host this captivating exhibition, at the same time as the ISAM conference, which no doubt will create lasting impressions on all who visit.

Rachael McGuickin, deputy CEO Visit Belfast said,

“We’re delighted to support the arrival of the Our Fragile Space exhibition in Belfast, a fascinating and timely showcase that highlights the challenges facing our space environment and the relevance of space in our everyday lives. As we continue to grow Belfast’s visitor economy, it's exciting to see our local space sector gaining recognition on an international stage."

Hosting this exhibition at ICC Belfast offers a unique opportunity to engage residents and visitors in an important global conversation, and we encourage everyone to come along and experience it for themselves.

The exhibition is being sponsored by UK Space Agency, MATRIX NI, and NI SPACE. It is supported by Visit Belfast, Satellite Applications Catapult, AstroAgency and ICC Belfast.