TUKWILA, Wash. — The Museum of Flight's "Home Beyond Earth" explores the past, present and future of civilization in space.
"Right now, the permanent population of space is about 10 people living on two space stations," said curator Geoff Nunn. "But that's set to change and grow over the next decade. Space is going to need artists, it's going to need lawyers, it's going to need veterinarians to take care of the first pets in space."
The exhibit features items that celebrate the humanity of space travel, from clothing worn on long-term missions, to the first watercolor painting created in orbit.
"Those deeper cultural connections, we really wanted to dive into the fascination with humans living beyond Earth and finding a home there," Nunn said.
The exhibit features what could be the most accurate model of the International Space Station ever built, constructed by University of Washington students and engineers from Boeing.
"Gets telemetry from the actual Space Station so its solar arrays actually rotate in sync with the Space Station," Nunn said.
Guests can even create their own space identities by checking in to activities throughout the exhibit with a "Passport to Space."
Nunn explained, "They get this little souvenir card that they're free to take with them as they go through the exhibit."
From the ponderings of the past to the promise of the future, "Home Beyond Earth" is a look at our journey to a life among the stars.
"Something for everyone in this exhibit," Nunn said.
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