Be the Astronaut Exhibition Opens at the Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) May 7, 2022
Schenectady, NY (April 21, 2022) – Be the Astronaut – a fun, interactive adventure where you are in control as you launch a rocket, pilot a spaceship, and drive a rover in space – will be open to the public at the Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The exhibition will be on view through Sunday, September 4, 2022.
Be the Astronaut guides you as you discover the solar system first hand with the help of virtual astronauts as you land on multiple worlds, including the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter. Designed with the help of NASA experts, the exhibition is fun for the whole family and takes STEM learning into outer space.
Scientifically verified by experts at NASA for accuracy and feasibility, Be the Astronaut teaches visitors about the concepts, challenges, and excitement of spaceflight, through the use of touch-screen stations, artifacts, and interactive simulator pods built to look like space capsules.
Be the Astronaut’s Mission Brief includes:
- Learning STEM subjects that help you explore space
- Blasting off seated in your very own space capsule
- Meeting a real robot
- Visiting the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter
- Driving a rover into the darkness of a lunar crater
- Piloting a lander into a canyon on Mars
- Exploring the Asteroid Belt
Throughout each stage of the exhibit, you have your own crew of virtual content experts. These digital characters help you learn what’s needed to fly a spaceship, pilot a lander, and drive a surface rover. Then they are with you as you climb into the simulators to actually perform these feats, in a thrilling narrative adventure spanning the solar system.
In each space capsule, a massive 70” monitor serves as the ‘windshield,’ giving you a first-person view of your adventures. Touch-screens and an industrial-quality joystick put you in command. During missions, the entire cockpit comes alive with animated lighting effects, game visuals, and sounds that make you believe you ARE an astronaut.
About miSci
Located in Schenectady, New York, miSci presents exhibitions, programs, and events designed with its mission in mind: to inspire people to celebrate and explore science and technology – past, present, and future. Home to the Challenger Learning Center and the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, the Museum's holdings include an archive of more than 1.6 million prints, negatives, and historic materials from the General Electric Photographic Collection, and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. Visit www.miSci.org for hours and admission information.
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