BLAST OFF with the new Astronaut exhibit at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

Jump into your space suit and report for training, because the newest addition to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium has landed and it’s out of this world! The Astronaut exhibition has touched down, bringing with it a whole space lab full of science fun, on display now  until April 15, 2018.

Astronaut boasts 26 hands-on, interactive exhibits which relay the physical and psychological effects of living in microgravity and the technology required to complete space missions.

The immersive experience surrounds guests with life-sized living quarters necessary to survive outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Anyone who has ever wondered what it is like to sleep, eat, shower and use the toilet in space will get their questions answered at this blockbuster exhibit. Visitors will also experience the importance of science in space and the future of space exploration.

“This exhibit really makes you feel like you’re in the International Space Station, and it’s incredible,” said Lew Crampton, President and CEO of the Science Center. “You don’t have to be a space junkie to have fun, and there’s something for everyone, old and young.”

The exhibit’s “Training Zone” features some of the challenges involved in becoming an astronaut. Visitors may try their hand at assembling nuts and bolts while wearing a space suit, complete a successful mission and even try to overcome G-forces.

A “Rocket Launch” area stimulates blast-off, allowing guests to climb into a rocket and countdown while sitting on a huge chair. This area also shows visitors what it is like to sleep in space as well as how to grow foods in zero gravity conditions.

A live feed will show astronauts on board the International Space Station during their daily routines. This is just one feature in the “Space Lab” portion of the exhibit.

“The Science Center has cultivated partnerships with local, retired astronauts, and we are thrilled to team up with them to add their personal journeys to the exhibit,” Crampton said. “They are excited to serve as guest lecturers throughout the display and share their unique knowledge and experiences with guests.”

The exhibit is fresh off a successful stop in Houston, Texas, and West Palm Beach is just the third location for this exhibit’s orbit around North America. Astronaut is produced by Imagine Exhibitions and designed and produced by Scitech of Perth, Australia.

The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium during Astronaut is $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and $14.95 for seniors aged 60 and older.  Science Center members and children under 3 are free.  Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.