CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Hours before the Artemis II launch, the Great Lakes Science Center was filled with people eager to learn about space exploration.
Eleven-year-old Weston Clark said he watches almost every launch, but he has no plans to become an astronaut himself.
“I’d rather stick on ground and learn more about it,” Clark said.
His parents brought him to the Science Center to learn more as he saves money for NASA’s next camp. Clark said his favorite part of a launch is not the initial liftoff, but a minute after when the first stage separates.
The Science Center showed the NASA prelaunch livestream at the Discovery Stage throughout the day. Guests also got the chance to stop by the Apollo capsule gallery to learn more about the Artemis mission.
The Science Center also had several stations, including one on space food, throughout the day teaching people about the mission. Staff members like Abigail Kraynak walked around explaining the 10-day mission.
“We’re really going to be able to test those life support systems. When we’re thinking about those more complex human missions to Mars one day this is a great step for that,” Kraynak said.
Kraynak also explained how Cleveland and NASA Glenn are at the heart of the journey.
“All roads to the moon and Mars go through Cleveland and that’s because we are involved in power, communication systems, and even overseeing the European service module,” Kraynak said.
The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby mission. The Science Center will host additional Artemis-related activities in April:
Go for Launch! Design A Rocket family workshops
- 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 12, and 19
- Design a rocket powered by rubber bands and launch it across the room
- $5 materials fee
Over the Moon weekend
- April 18 and 19
- Activities include:
- Liftoff: Math in Space Science Show
- Lunar Scavenger Hunt
- Artemis Chat with Science Center experts
- Mission to STEM with NASA Glenn Visitor Center augmented reality app
- Space Food Cart
- Vacuum Demonstration Cart
- Included with general admission
You can find ticket information here.
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