Beyond Spaceship Earth

This immersive exhibit tells the dynamic story of space exploration from NASA’s Project Mercury program, which sent the first Americans into space, to the International Space Station (ISS). In Beyond Spaceship Earth, families can see astronaut artifacts, learn space-travel history and immerse themselves in the life of an astronaut. Each segment of the exhibit has something extraordinary to offer!

International Space Station exhibit

Discover how astronauts perform scientific experiments in space
View real video of an astronaut’s day-to-day life in space
Try on space gear, and try out interactive space-task activities

Indiana Astronaut Wall of Fame

Learn about the Hoosiers who’ve made astronomical impact
View space artifacts and images courtesy of Purdue University Archives
Explore the database of Indiana astronauts

The Future is Here—How Sci Fi Becomes Reality in the Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater

See the actual escape pod movie prop used in the 2016 film Star Trek: Beyond. Discover how the Star Trek communicator of the 1960s ended up as the inspiration for the cell phones of today! This multimedia experience shows how popular science fiction has inspired and shaped scientific and technological advancements. Featured in the Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater, The Future is Here—How Sci-fi Becomes Reality showcases artifacts from a variety of popular sci-fi films and shows how science fiction enthusiasts or fans of today become the futuristic designers of tomorrow!

The original Sulu himself, George Takei, provides the voice of the multimedia experience The Future is Here—How Sci-fi Becomes Reality, filmed exclusively for The Children's Museum!

Click here for showtimes. Entry is included with museum admission. Assistive listening devices are available—please ask a theater staff member for assistance.

Located on the Lower Level.

Advance tickets encouraged!

Beyond Spaceship Earth is included with museum general admission and membership. Save up to 25% by when you buy at least two weeks in advance. For unlimited visits, become a member today!

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Beyond Spaceship Earth is made possible by lead gifts from Lilly Endowment Inc., Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Patricia Schaefer, The Heritage Group, and a NASA grant, with major support provided by R.B. Annis Educational Foundation, Church Brothers Collision Repair, The Dorsey Foundation, and Susan and Steve Haines.

The material contained in Beyond Spaceship Earth: International Space Station is based upon work supported by NASA under award Number NNX14AD06A. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Object loans from Purdue University Libraries, Karnes Archives and Special Collections, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Courtesy of The Azarian Collection, Owner www.azariancollection.com

We would like to help you prepare ahead of time for some of the sights and sounds you will experience at The Children's Museum. Here's what you can expect in this exhibit.

Beyond Spaceship Earth