America’s obsession with the cosmos has persisted ever since astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon in 1969 and said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
That interest is fueled by science-fiction tales of advanced alien civilizations, dreams of discovery, scientific advancement and the allure of life-sustaining, distant horizons.
Fresh off the frenzy of last month’s lunar eclipse, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in downtown Miami began preparations for the arrival of “Journey to Space,” a new exhibition opening later this month.
(Courtesy of Frost Science)
Young and old museumgoers alike will be able to learn how to control a robotic arm at the “Journey to Space” exhibition coming to Frost Science.
Here, visitors will experience interactive exhibits, see authentic artifacts and become immersed in the mysteries of life in space, including the very real dangers that astronauts face during their missions above Earth and the adaptations that engineers have developed to help them survive while in space.
You’ll learn about weightlessness and the problems that come with long-term space living, play with water rockets to learn about launch mechanics and utilize drop towers to discover how familiar objects act differently in space’s weightless environment.
(Courtesy of Frost Science)
Visitors enjoying displays at the full-scale Destiny Lab mock-up at “Journey to Space.”
Frost Science urges children and adults alike to climb aboard the full-scale mock-up of Destiny Lab, the primary research facility for U.S. payloads on the International Space Station (ISS). Destiny Lab’s rotating mechanism will give visitors the sensation of floating while they are given a virtual tour of the lab by astronauts who have worked inside.
“Visitors are in for an unforgettable experience, delving into the thrilling adventure of space travel and discovering the triumphs and challenges astronauts face on their missions to explore the vast cosmos,” said astrophysicist Douglas Roberts, president and CEO of Frost Science, in a news release.
“Journey to Space” includes games, multimedia components and hands-on displays that teach how astronauts eat, sleep and even use the bathroom in space. Museumgoers will experience firsthand the difficulties of working in space, from controlling a robotic arm to managing the limited power supply available to keep life support systems operational.
The exhibition also showcases film of astronauts living and working in space and interviews in which they reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of their unique line of work.
“Journey to Space” is presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota and the California Science Center, with support from NASA. The exhibition will be on view on the first floor of Frost Science May 25 – Oct. 6. Entrance to the exhibition comes with regular admission to the museum. For more information, visit FrostScience.org.
(Courtesy of Frost Science)
Families watching film of astronauts living and working in space while visiting “Journey to Space” in another city.