Visitors Will Learn What Is Necessary For Mars Exploration

Space Center Houston's spectacular new Mission Mars exhibit showcases an immersive experience about the red planet and offers an opportunity to peer inside an Orion spacecraft research model, stand close to a giant model rocket and walk on a virtual Mars environment. The exposition was designed with input from NASA experts, and interactive media studio SILA SVETA as the official contractor.

"This new major exhibit will inspire the next generation of explorers who could one day walk on Mars," said William T. Harris, president and CEO of the science and space learning center. "Visitors will explore what it takes to travel to Mars, the hardware that will get us to the fourth planet in our solar system and how humans may live and conduct research on the red planet in future decades." 

Space Center Houston worked closely with NASA in the development of Mission Mars. A stunning 4K technology video by interactive media studio SILA SVETA shows a virtual Mars landscape with rovers exploring the planet, a future rocket launching from Earth and heading for Mars and future astronauts landing.

NASA's Office of Education provided a grant through the Competitive Program for Museums, Science Centers, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers. Lockheed Martin provided the Orion capsule research model, along with financial support for the exhibit construction.

Space Center Houston is holding a jubilee celebration all year to honor its 25th anniversary on Oct. 16, 2017.

The Manned Space Flight Education Foundation is a nonprofit science and space learning center with extensive educational programs. Space Center Houston is the cornerstone of its mission to inspire all generations through the wonders of space exploration. The center draws more than 1 million visitors annually, was called "The Big Draw" by USA Today and generates a $73 million annual economic impact in the greater Houston area.

(Images provided with Space Center Houston news release)

FMI: www.spacecenter.org