See The Evolution of Spacesuit Technology at MSI
WHAT: Discover the science behind spacesuit technology through unique photographs and X-ray images in Suited for Space– a temporary exhibit opening at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) on Wednesday, April 6, 2011.
From the first quarter of the 20th century until the dawn of the shuttle era, the exhibit, developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition (SITES) and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, shows the evolution of spacesuit technology and engineering–and runs at MSI through Sept. 25, 2011.
Learn about the sate-of-the-art materials used to develop spacesuits for some of the early, iconic NASA missions like Project Mercury–NASA’s first attempt to put a man into space–or the Apollo Program, when Buzz Aldrin took that pivotal first step on the Moon. As the suits depicted are too fragile to travel, the exhibit will feature a replica Apollo spacesuit on loan from NASA and 10 objects from the National Air and Space Museum’s collection, including a glove, a boot and helmets. This exhibit is included in general admission.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 6, 2011; Media is invited to view the exhibit and interview spokespeople from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Call in advance for spokesperson availability.
WHO: Available for interviews:
– Devra Wexler, project director at SITES, as well as MSI spokespeople.
– Michael J. Foreman, NASA, a veteran astronaut who has participated in two space flights, five spacewalks and has logged more than 637 hours in space.
– Brian Foy, protective technologies engineer at DuPont, involved in creating the materials used in spacesuits, including Kevlar(R).
WHERE: Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, 57th and Lake Shore Drive. Media should park in the West Lot and check in with security at the West Entrance.
WEBSITE: msichicago.org; photos and additional information at msichicago.org/press.
CONTACT: Emily Chen, (312) 558-1770, echen@pcipr.com
Marilyn Stein, (773) 947-3133; marilyn.stein@msichicago.org
Beth Boston, (773) 947-6003; beth.boston@msichicago.org
THIS NEWS: What did famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin wear when he took that first, pivotal step on the Moon? Find out at the Museum of Science and Industry in Suited for Space, opening April 6! http://bit.ly/i7GmEj.
TWEET THIS NEWS: #SuitedforSpace opening at @msichicago April 6: http://bit.ly/i7GmEj #Space
Note: FTC guidelines require independent bloggers who post about this experience to disclose their invitation from the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.
Suited for Space is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and generously supported by DuPont.
