‘At Home in Space’ Exhibition Launches After Renovation of Air and Space Museum
New Exhibit “At Home in Space” Unveiled at the National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum has officially launched its latest exhibit, titled “At Home in Space,” which brings a slice of the cosmos to the Earthbound visitors. This engaging display features a full-scale replica of the International Space Station’s US Destiny Laboratory, designed to captivate audiences with its interactive components and artifacts related to life and work in space, including specially designed coffee cups for microgravity use.
According to exhibit curator Levasseur, “This is probably the best section in my mind because it has fun stuff.” She highlighted unique exhibits, such as the flown miniPCR biotech toolkit and the MinION DNA sequencing device, which made history by being used in space for the first time.
One of the standout features is a sensory experience designed to answer a common question: “What does space smell like?” Visitors will find scent oils that replicate the essence of both general space and the International Space Station.
Other notable displays include the first 3D printer utilized in space, which operated during a 2014 mission to create various items ranging from astronaut tools to repair components for the space station.
Looking Towards Artemis
The gallery concludes with a designated area meant to showcase the Artemis I capsule, which successfully traveled to the Moon without astronauts aboard in 2022. Until the actual spacecraft arrives at the Smithsonian, a scale model of the Orion spacecraft is on display, providing a glimpse into humanity’s next steps into deep space.
Levasseur also mentioned an intriguing piece on exhibit: a fragment of Wright Flyer fabric that accompanied the Artemis II mission to the Moon.
This renovation of the National Air and Space Museum included modernizing the exterior, upgrading mechanical systems, and several enhancements. The first segment of the museum reopened in 2022, featuring eight redefined galleries, alongside a new planetarium, store, and café. The second phase is set to debut in 2025, adding more galleries to the experience.
In addition to “At Home in Space,” another exhibit titled “Modern Military Aviation” will open its doors on November 11.
“We are thrilled to conclude the most extensive project the museum has ever undergone,” stated Chris Browne, Director of the museum. “With these final two galleries, the public can once again explore the entirety of the museum and engage with our world-class aerospace collection.”
Entry to all galleries at the National Air and Space Museum remains free; however, timed-entry passes are required to visit the premises.
Editor’s Take
The unveiling of the “At Home in Space” exhibit not only enriches the visitor experience at the National Air and Space Museum but also serves to inspire curiosity about space exploration. By integrating interactive technology and historical artifacts, the exhibit bridges the gap between past and future missions. This initiative is crucial as it fosters public interest and support for upcoming projects like the Artemis missions, while also highlighting advancements in space technology.
Source: arstechnica.com
