The Museum of Flight’s exhibit, “Home Beyond Earth,” explores the history and future of human habitation in space. It traces the concept of living and working in space back to 1869, with the publication of Edward Everett Hale’s novella, “The Brick Moon.” The exhibit showcases various milestones in the evolution of the space station concept, including Walt Disney’s vision of a rotating space station in the 1950s and the establishment of the International Space Station in the present day. A 3D-printed model of the ISS, connected to telemetry from the real station, serves as the centerpiece of the exhibition, providing visitors with an interactive experience.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage with various interactive displays that allow them to choose their favorite space station, imagine their living environment in space, and select a space job. The exhibit also features a digital-token system to track visitors’ space lifestyle choices. The open-access perspective on living in space resonates with spaceflight veterans like former NASA astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger and South Korean astronaut Soyeon Yi, who both express their enthusiasm for the future of space exploration and the potential for 3D printing technology in space.
The exhibition highlights the role of commercial space stations as NASA plans to deorbit the ISS by 2031. Future orbital outposts developed by companies like Axiom Space and Orbital Reef are showcased in the final gallery of the exhibit. Exhibits include scale models of past and proposed space stations, as well as artifacts such as the flight suit worn by astronaut Ed Gibson on the Skylab space station in the 1970s. The exhibit aims to inspire curiosity and interest in space exploration, showcasing the past, present, and future of human presence beyond Earth.
The Museum of Flight’s focus on STEM education and the cultural fascination with space aims to engage a broad audience, from space enthusiasts to those with a passing curiosity about space. The interactive displays and 3D-printed models offer visitors a hands-on experience to learn about the technology and history of space exploration. The exhibition serves as a platform for astronauts like Metcalf-Lindenburger and Yi to share their experiences and aspirations for the future of space travel. The display of next-generation space station concepts underscores the ongoing evolution of space exploration and the potential for commercial ventures in space.
The interactive nature of the exhibit allows visitors to explore different aspects of space exploration, from the historical roots of the space station concept to the future possibilities of commercial space habitats. The combination of educational information, interactive displays, and personal stories from astronauts and space experts creates a comprehensive and engaging experience for museum visitors. As new technologies and commercial ventures push the boundaries of space exploration, exhibitions like “Home Beyond Earth” play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts and shaping the future of human presence in space.
