So, do you want to be an astronaut when you grow up?
Or did you want to be an astronaut when you grew up?
The newest traveling exhibit to land at the Orlando Science Center, “Mission: Astronaut,” features the many job requirements and duties that come with a mission in space.
“We’re talking about training. We’re talking about what it takes to be an astronaut, how you train to be an astronaut, what you do in space,” said Jeff Stanford, vice president of marketing. “So you can break it down into very specific areas and view it.”
The stations in the exhibit, created by Flying Fish Exhibitions, explain the future of space exploration and the basics of staying alive, including how to pack a capsule, operate robotics, and prepare a meal.
“We’re all about getting people excited about STEM and talking about STEM careers and STEM skills. … Astronauts are like the ultimate STEM professionals,” Stanford said.
“They are critical thinkers, problem solvers, creative, collaborative and communicative,” he said. So the exhibit is “a really versatile way to educate people about what STEM careers are and what STEM skills are. So astronauts are problem solvers all the time.”
The highlight of the exhibit is a dome-shaped structure that symbolizes inflatable options in another world, and displays colorful hands-on building activities. Other stations are scattered throughout the space on the second floor of the science museum.
There, visitors can learn about cultivation instructions, exercise options, and learn more about spacesuits that require large, bulky space gloves.
People may get a reality check. Sure, there’s all the fun and games and serious work there, but the space can spoil your body. Risks include loss of muscle mass, poor eyesight, weakened immune system, changes in the shape of the heart (it becomes rounder and no longer oval), and disruption of the circadian rhythm.
And when elementary school students see the headline “Everyone poops in space,” they may be shocked. Hey.
“Solid waste will be packed into supply containers and burned up once they enter Earth’s atmosphere,” the description says.
It happens. But wait, that’s not all.
“Urine is added to other types of wastewater, such as sweat and condensation, and filtered back into the station’s drinking water.”
Visitors can take a moment to indulge in related art exhibits on the upper floor. “Space for Art” features multiple artists, including actual astronauts, and their work inspired by space exploration. Beyond Art’s spacesuits are also on display in the museum’s lobby. Space suit company ILC Dover Astrospace uses quilted artwork submitted by children.
The gallery features “Artful Expressions: A Universe of Possibilities,” featuring student work by students from Florida Virtual School and Florida Scholars Academy.
The art will be on display until April 4th. The “Mission: Astronaut” exhibit will be on display until May 3. Both are included in the science center’s regular admission price.
For more information, please visit OSC.org.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com
