Sept. 14, 2019 through Jan. 4, 2020

Are you ready to experience what life is like outside of Earth and its atmosphere? There’s no other job where you can find yourself quite as far above the Earth as that of an astronaut. From the Moon landings to the Mars One project, astronauts have become synonymous with adventure, exploration and endeavor. The Museum of Science &amp; History (MOSH) hosts an interactive and hands-on exhibition, Astronaut, that explores the physical and mental challenges involved in space exploration and the importance of science in space.

The exhibition, opening on September 14, is divided into three zones. There is a training zone where visitors can experience some of the challenges involved in becoming an astronaut, a rocket launch that simulates blast off and a space lab where life and science in space is explored. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can experience g-force, conduct maintenance on a space station, grow space food and learn the realities of showering, sleeping and using the bathroom in space.

“Astronaut is a really unique exhibition because it reveals all the stages of becoming a space explorer,” said MOSH curator Paul Bourcier. “From training, to blasting off and living in space, Astronaut investigates the day-to-day activities alongside the unique science conducted in space, exposing a reality not often shown. There’s so much for the entire family to experience, enjoy, learn and be surprised by!”

Astronaut also focuses on team work to solve problems, accurately perform tasks and overcome challenges such as communicating with mission control, monitoring damage to your space craft or landing a capsule. Visitors can come and test their grip strength in special gloves 2 that mimic a pressurized spacesuit, or they can work together to launch a space mission smoothly.

MOSH will host a public opening event for the exhibition on Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring the following activities: Earth and space toolkits, Astronaut Starbright documentary short film on-going screening; All About that Space science show in the JEA Science Theater at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.; First Coast Flute Choir performance at 3 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Community Conference Room; and a special Planetarium show at 2 p.m. that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing.

Astronaut is created by Scitech and produced by Imagine Exhibitions. The traveling exhibition is supported locally by Jax4Kids, City of Jacksonville, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs. The exhibition is on display through January 4, 2020 and is included with Museum admission.