The Museum of Flight in Seattle has recently opened a new exhibition called “Home Beyond Earth,” which explores the history and future of humans living and working in space. The exhibition delves into the cultural significance of space exploration as well as the scientific and technological aspects, aiming to inspire visitors to think about the changing landscape of the space community. From the 1869 novella “The Brick Moon” to the present-day International Space Station, the exhibition traces the evolution of the space station concept through literature, film, and real-life achievements.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a 3D-printed model of the International Space Station (ISS) that is connected to telemetry from the real-life station. This model mimics the movements of the ISS in orbit, providing a dynamic and interactive experience for visitors. Additionally, there are 3D-printed plastic modules available for children and adults to create their own model space station, further engaging attendees in the subject matter.
The exhibition also features touchscreen monitors that allow visitors to make virtual lifestyle choices related to living in space. By selecting their favorite space station, environment, and job preferences, participants can see which choices are the most popular among the virtual residents of the exhibition. This interactive aspect aims to inspire creativity and curiosity about the possibilities of living beyond Earth.
The open-access perspective of the exhibition has resonated with spaceflight professionals and enthusiasts alike. Former NASA astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, who flew to the ISS in 2010, remarked on the significance of 3D printing in space exploration and the potential for future job opportunities in space. Additionally, South Korean astronaut Soyeon Yi expressed her desire to return to space and her interest in collaborating with commercial ventures developing future space stations.
The exhibition showcases a variety of historical artifacts, scale models, and conceptual designs related to space stations, including ones that never made it past the concept stage. Future orbital outposts developed by commercial ventures such as Axiom Space and Orbital Reef are also featured in the exhibition, providing a glimpse into the next generation of space habitats beyond the ISS. The final gallery highlights these concepts and emphasizes the ongoing evolution of human presence in space.
“Home Beyond Earth” is a temporary exhibit at the Museum of Flight and is free with museum membership or general admission. The exhibition aims to educate and inspire visitors about the history, present, and future of humans living and working in space, encouraging them to consider their own place in the cosmos. Through interactive displays, historical artifacts, and futuristic concepts, the exhibition offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for all ages and backgrounds.
