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Exploring Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience at the Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia is currently hosting an exciting exhibition called “Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience”. This exhibition pays tribute to the history of space exploration and the milestones reached, while also probing the future of space exploration and the discoveries that may lie before us.
Interactive Stations and NASA Video Footage
The exhibition features dozens of hand-on stations where visitors can explore the fascinating and thought-provoking environment of space. These interactive elements help visitors learn through play. NASA video footage is also included, highlighting both the challenges and accomplishments of space exploration.
Challenges of Space Exploration
Astronomer Justin Bartel explains that one element of the exhibition highlights the dangers of space exploration and the challenges of living in space. Displays illustrate how we have tried to solve those problems and the feats of engineers and scientists with a mission to protect and empower astronauts. Examples include a display of the different layers of a space suit that protects the astronauts from dangers such as radiation and temperature extremes. Visitors will also have an opportunity to try on an astronaut’s glove.
The Physics of Launch and Power Needed on a Spacecraft
The exhibition also includes the science of getting to space, such as the physics of the launch and the power needed on a spacecraft. Guests can use a 16-foot drop tower to investigate how different objects behave differently in a weightless environment. The displays also include a tabletop demonstration of the balance of speed and gravity that makes it possible to stay in orbit around the Earth (or another world).
Liviving and Working in Space
The exploration of aspects of living and working in space is enhanced by displays of the International Space Station (ISS), which has been in orbit around the Earth for two decades. One display features a doll-house-sized model of the complete station and all its nodes and attachments. Another display is a life-sized replica of the ISS Destiny Lab, a larger module and one of the primary workspaces for the station’s crew of seven. Visitors can enter the lab to experience a four-minute tour as the module rotates around them. This motion mimics the aspect of weightlessness that involves a constantly shifting perspective.
NASA’s Artemis Program
The longer-term experimentation aboard the ISS is significant not only because it is an achievement in itself, but also for the role it can serve in progressing to the next stage of space exploration, residing in an extraterrestrial outpost for a prolonged period. NASA’s Artemis program, which is currently underway, has a goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Experiments and Events
Throughout the summer, the Science Museum of Virginia will feature a spectrum of programs and activities related to the “Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience” exhibition, including experiments in The Forge makerspace, Science After Dark gatherings, and special films in The Dome, a state-of-the-art theater and planetarium. Don’t miss the chance to experience the secrets and wonders of space in a fun and interactive way!
