Astronauts, space travel and exploration captured the hearts and minds of people everywhere when astronaut Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon, and it has continued to fascinate people the world over, for years. Today we not only talk about one of the most anticipated events in Johannesburg, but give you some top tips if you are in the market for astronomy binoculars and telescopes for sale.
Image Source: Gateway To Space Website.
What the Gateway To Space Expo is all about
Want to discover the history of space travel? Look no further. If you, like many others across the world, have ever wondered what life in space is like then you’ll love the Gateway To Space Exhibition. It explores the start of space exploration and discovery, going all the way back to 1903 and also shows the possibilities of what future travel may be like, including trips to Mars as well as other unexplored areas in space.
The exhibition, which was developed in part by NASA and assembled by the US Space & Rocket Centre, alongside a range of geologists and archaeologists, has been shown across the world for years, from London, Denmark to Budapest. Almost a million people have been to see the eye-opening exhibition.
This space expo is now making its way to South African shores in June and July. It is the biggest exhibition yet that has been shown in South Africa and promises to delight and surprise space fans, of all ages.
The exhibition showcases the technology, people and every aspect of what went into the first space voyage, missions to the moon and much more.
Did you know the exhibition is transported in 20 shipping containers, takes up about 3 400 m² of floor space and the space suits, that will be on show, are transported in atmosphere-controlled boxes? Did you know there will be a range of about 40 short videos that explain each aspect of the exhibition, allowing everyone to understand it all and there will be an interactive area to discover and experience many aspects of space travel? All of which promises to make it a thrilling visit for all.
The Gateway To Space Exhibition is set to be one of the most exciting events in Johannesburg for all of those who love space, space exploration and those who want to learn more about it.
Top Tip: If you are completely in love with astronomy, browse www.JunkMail.co.za for great deals on astronomy binoculars and telescopes for sale.
Details of the Gateway To Space Exhibition
It will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. It runs from 1 June to 31 July 2016 and opening times are Monday to Friday from 9AM to 6PM and Saturday to Sunday from 9AM to 6:30PM for the duration of the exhibition.
There are specific time slots that are allocated for visitors and its important to choose the one that will suit you to best give you the chance to fully explore and experience the exhibition and interactive activities on offer.
Image Source: You Website.
Pensioners: tickets are R150, adult ticket prices are R180, and children tickets, for those under 18 years, are R120. You can also choose a family package, which is R520 for a family of four and all tickets are limited to each session.
The Gateway To Space Exhibition is perfect for those of any, and every age, it offers the chance to experience, learn and understand more about every aspect of space travel.
Top Tip: If you are intrigued by space and would like to get started in an exciting stargazing hobby, read our ‘Star Gazing in South Africa – Get star struck under the night sky’ post for tips on binoculars and telescopes for sale.
What you can expect at this Space Expo
The exhibition not only looks at what is planned for the future, but showcases past accomplishments and over 60 space objects involved to ensure everyone gets a feel for what it was like to be part of the journey. These include artefacts, models, simulators, space food and a host of other exciting objects.
This is one of the events in Johannesburg that allows for discovery, learning and the chance to catch a glimpse into the world of space exploration and travel. For those young and old who would like to get up close and personal with space travel, there are a host of opportunities on offer.
Image Source: Gateway To Space Website.
You’ll be able to see various space related models and enjoy a range of activities that will inspire those of all ages. You’ll also be able to see a full-sized lunar rover model, as well as have the chance to look at the Apollo capsule design, among the many things on show.
You’ll discover what it is like inside the life-sized 15 metre replica of the Mir space station core module, walk inside and feel similar effects of the vertigo astronauts have felt.
You’ll have the chance to see Sputnik 1, which was the first space satellite, as well as the Vostok rocket, which is the Soviet rocket from which the first human was launched into space.
Image Source: Gateway To Space Website.
You’ll see a Lunar rover model, a battery powered space exploration vehicle that can be used to move around and transport people to the moon.
You’ll also get the chance to see a full-scale split flight deck as well as original space suits. The original space suits include the Sokol SK-1 Spacesuit, which was the space suit designed for Yuri Gagarin for the first manned space launch in 1961.
Image Source: Gateway To Space Website.
You’ll also have the opportunity to see the Orion capsule, which was created and designed for the possibilities of future space exploration. It is reportedly the most advanced spacecraft built and may be suitable to take us to a variety of destinations, including Mars.
You’ll have the chance to touch some of the 382 kilograms of moon rock that was brought back after the six Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972.
Interactive activities at the Gateway to Space Exhibition
If all that isn’t enough you can have your photo taken in space and take part in interactive activities that are suitable for all ages. These activities come at an extra cost.
You can try the 5 Degrees of Freedom Chair, which is a chair that simulates how an astronaut is able to move in space. You can also try the Multi-axis trainer, which shows you what zero gravity feels like, rotating at a thrilling 360 degrees.
Image Source: Gateway To Space Website.
You can also try the F18 flight simulators, which is used by NASA to train its astronauts, and you can even learn to land a spacecraft, using another simulator.
As each part of the space expo aims to teach and allow for understanding about the history and implications of space exploration and travel, you’ll get a feel for each and see what every aspect was like.
With a range of objects and interactive activities from a molecule building area, the chance to try a flight simulator and the opportunity to shop and take space merchandise home with you, it means that the exhibition will provide hours of fascination and fun; for the whole family.
The exhibition provides the chance to discover space travel for those who already love all things space related, from astronomical telescopes to astronomy binoculars. If all things space related has you wanting more, you can get your hands on a range space related items, from astronomy binoculars to telescopes for sale.
Image Source: Gateway To Space Website.
Top Tip: Looking for great places right here on earth to do a little space exploration of your own? Read our ’10 Amazing stargazing and telescope viewing spots in SA’ post.
The Gateway To Space exhibition is brought to you by YOU, DRUM and Huisgenoot magazines. One of the truly amazing events in Johannesburg this year, be sure not to miss this stunning space expo. Find tickets online or sell your tickets by placing a free ad on www.JunkMail.co.za.
