To coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11, a specially designed sculpture has been presented to Sir Richard Branson, setting his achievements in pioneering a new era of space travel alongside a complete history dating back more than 3500 years.

Unveiled at Kennedy Space Centre during a week of celebrations, its title ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’, is a reference to long-time Virgin Galactic friend and inspiration, the late Professor Stephen Hawking. The work is laser-engraved with 360 seminal steps in aviation and astronautic history from 3500BCE to the present day, culminating in Sir Richard’s own quest to democratise space.

Etched directly into a 16mm thick, 180cm diameter Solanum Weathering Steel plate by Laser. Driven by Katia software, at Zahner’s Kansas City facility. Zahner were the original supplier of the Solanum steel cladding to Sir Norman Foster’s partners for the installation of Spaceport America.