Sixty-five years ago, Alan Shepard climbed into a capsule called Freedom 7, launched into the unknown, and changed everything. On the evening of May 9th, we honor that moment the way it deserves to be honored — and we promise you, there is nothing else like this anywhere.

Space Heroes is a live concert experience inside our Planetarium dome — and that distinction matters more than we can put into words. The Principal Winds Quintet of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will perform surrounded by stars, in a program that soars from triumphant NASA Apollo-era fanfares to the iconic themes of Star Trek, Star Wars, and the great science fiction epics that have always mirrored humanity’s real reach for the cosmos.

But what makes this evening truly irreplaceable is this: the program premieres a specially commissioned original work by composer Bev Erickson, written expressly to honor New Hampshire astronauts on the 65th anniversary of Alan’s launch. This piece does not exist anywhere else. It will not be streamed. It will not be recorded. It happens here, on this night, and then it belongs only to the people who were in the room.

Two performances. One extraordinary night. Matinee | 3:30 PM Evening | 6:30 PM

Whether you love space, live music, history, or simply the feeling of being genuinely moved — this evening was made for you. Tickets are going quickly, and once they’re gone, there is no second chance at this one.

Don’t let this be the event you wish you hadn’t missed.

Ticket Price: Premium early seating $35 per person, regular admission $20 per person

Purchase tickets here: starhop.com/discover/spaceheroes

McAuliffe Shepard Discovery Center / 2 Institute Dr. / Concord NH