DAYTON — A new interactive space exhibit will be on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force beginning Thursday.
“The display is designed to spark imaginations by igniting the desire for space exploration and discovery, and inspire new generations of explorers to dream of the possibilities that lie ahead,” the museum stated in a release.
The exhibit titled, “SPACE: A Journey to Our Future,” is expected to be open until Sept. 6.
Visitors can expect to experience the following things when they visit:
- Touch actual rocks from the lunar surface of the moon and the red planet of Mars
- Explore a Mars Base Camp while walking through a full-size habitat and work pod
- Take a spin on a centrifuge that is powered like a bicycle
- Get an up-close look at a wide range of artifacts from the space program
- Look into future explorations of the universe
- Meet today’s explorers who are on the forefront of the search for answers to questions about the universe
Much of the content located in the museum’s fourth building is provided by NASA and the National Science Teachers Association, and introduces visitors to generations of dreamers and thinkers who have at times risked their lives to provide a better understanding of who we are and how we fit into the universe around us, the museum’s release stated.
“STEM education and inspiring youth to pursue careers in these fields is the heart of our mission at the museum, and space is a topic that keeps the interest and attention of almost everyone,” said Mike Brimmer, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Education Chief.
COVID-19 safety precautions will be implemented at the museum including issuing gloves to each visitor interacting with the exhibit, as well as cleaning and sanitizing the exhibit throughout each day.
Visitors ages three and up are required to wear masks during their visit to the museum.