EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

International Space Station: The Earth Tour
Developed by Discovery Place in conjunction with NASA.

The “International Space Station - The Earth Tour” (ISS) is a 5,000 sq. ft. traveling exhibit that opened at Discovery Place, Charlotte, North Carolina on June 16, 2001 for six months and then travels nationally for six years spreading the ISS story to more than 5.5 million people.

The exhibit tells the story of the history, technology, and dynamics of the International Space Station - which is already in its construction phase and is slated to be operational in the year 2006. Different aspects of International Space Station development, research, operations and living are explored through dynamic exhibit elements. Topics investigated in the exhibit include:

Space Station History, ISS Assembly and Schedule, Launch Vehicles, Careers, Astronaut training, ISS Operations, Microgravity Research, Life Science, Space Science, Earth Science, Space Product Development, Spinoffs, Engineering Research and Technology, Multi-culturalism, and Living and Working on the ISS.

The exhibit uses interactive exhibitry that includes:

- "hands-on" demonstrations

- models

- dynamic graphics

to provide a compelling mix of informal learning experiences to a general audience. The exhibit will also provide educational and guide materials.

Click on a subject below...

Entrance

Kiosks

Simulations

Theaters

Other Hands-on

Modules & Racks

NASA Links

Up In The Air!

...or go to an area of the 3-D view, floorplan or description to see items in the exhibit.
 

The International Space Station is the largest international peacetime project in the history of the world, involving 16 nations. The station is being assembled piece-by-piece, like a puzzle in the Earth’s orbit, until all 100 components are in place. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $35 and $37 billion. When it is completed, it will be the second brightest object in the night sky, second only to the Moon.

Through the use of hands-on demonstrations, simulations, models, audiovisuals and stage presentations, International Space Station: The Earth Tour examines how teams of international scientists live and work for extended periods of time in the harsh environment of space.

Upon arriving at the exhibit, visitors see a scale model of the ISS and colorful graphics that illustrate the worldwide efforts that brought the project to life. But before launching into space, visitors must undergo some training.

Displays indicate how the ISS has been and is being assembled and what career opportunities the space program provides. Then it is on to microgravity training where guests practice working in "weightlessness" and learn about the challenges it presents.

After the basics are complete, it is time to learn how to dock a space shuttle at the ISS. A simulator allows visitors to put into action Newton’s Laws of Motion as they use joysticks and visual cues to manipulate the space shuttle into place.

Before heading up into the great beyond, it is a good idea to check out what is going on at the "Live From NASA" station where guests see live feeds from NASA Centers, track the ISS, learn to sight the ISS from home, observe launch and landing weather and see some of the real experiment data coming from the ISS via NASA's TReK science software.

With all the training out of the way, it is time to head into space via the Space Shuttle Theater, a scale mock-up of a space shuttle flight deck docked at a module of the ISS. Inside the theater, rumble speakers and special effects transport guests from the Earth to the ISS just like the astronauts onboard. High above the Space Shuttle Theater, a hard-working astronaut goes for a spacewalk, undoubtedly to make a crucial repair. A canopy of solar panels covers visitors as they exit the Space Shuttle Theater. Solar cannons and luminescent panels illustrate how the space station generates its power.

Once safely on-board the ISS, visitors learn how astronauts adapt to living in space for extended periods of time. The Crew Systems displays detail the processes of eating, sleeping, showering, going to the bathroom and keeping fit in space. There is even a space-version of a Coca-Cola beverage dispenser used on the Russian MIR space station!

Once accustomed to the rigors of everyday life in space, it is time for visitors to learn how to get some work done in the Space Station Module. Racks that contain equipment, experiments, stowage, crew systems, and maintenance or operational systems expose visitors to the experiments that keep the astronauts busy during the day. Graphics and hands-on activities teach visitors about flames in space, biotechnology, microgravity and hydroponics. Stage presentation topics include international cooperation, space safety, space physiology, product development and microgravity.

After a full day of space-work, it is time to head back to Earth. The Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) teaches visitors about the logistics of the return home and then simulates the experience inside the CRV Theater. The journey back to Earth begins as the CRV is released from the ISS, enters Earth’s atmosphere and safely lands using a parachute.

Notice: the ISS exhibit is subject to change at the discretion of Discovery Place, inc. Images are copyright protected and cannot be used without the written consent of MuseumWorx.