The Science Museum Launches an Exciting New Space Gallery Experience
The Science Museum Reopens Its Star Attraction
For generations, children visiting London’s Science Museum have cherished two things: the gift shop and the iconic Space Gallery. The latter recently underwent a transformation as part of a major redevelopment of the ground floor, moving to a new location in the West Hall (formerly the Wellcome Wing). Now, it has reopened, inviting visitors on an exciting journey through the cosmos.
A Splash of Purple and the Magic of Space
Upon entering the revamped gallery, the first thing that greets you is an unusual hue of purple. This dim violet has always enveloped the West Hall, and while its significance remained a mystery, it now shines vividly upon the extraordinary exhibits of rockets, capsules, and more. The ambiance adds an otherworldly charm to the artifacts, making them all the more captivating.
The Apollo 10 Capsule: A Historic Marvel
At the heart of this space odyssey lies the Apollo 10 capsule, a historic object that stands shoulder to shoulder with the Rosetta Stone and the Magna Carta in terms of significance. After years of residing awkwardly in the Making of the Modern World rooms, it has finally taken its rightful place as the centerpiece in the Space Gallery. The capsule’s underside—scarred from its fiery atmospheric reentry in 1969—carries the weight of history, captivating visitors with its tale of endurance.
Bridging National Borders: Soyuz Meets Apollo
In an impressive display, the Russian Soyuz capsule, which carried British astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station in 2015, complements the Apollo 10 capsule. This strategic juxtaposition highlights the evolution of space exploration from two different cultural perspectives. With the Soyuz’s extensive parachutes elegantly draping towards the ceiling, this exhibit creates a visual dialogue between the two spacecraft, making it a unique experience for visitors.
Classic Favorites and New Wonders
Returning visitors will be thrilled to find beloved classics, like the enormous J-2 engine that powered the Apollo missions. Nearby, a replica of the British ‘Black Arrow’ and the Prospero satellite serve as a nod to local contributions to space endeavors. Other notable exhibits include Neil Armstrong’s headset, a stunning model of the European Space Agency’s BepiColumbo Mercury probe, and a remarkable chunk of lunar rock.
The Space Gallery also introduces several new wonders, including a model of a miniature nuclear reactor engineered by Rolls-Royce, designated for future Moon bases. Fear not; it’s entirely non-radioactive! Additional highlights include a quirky lunar robot and a collapsible heat shield, alongside a new docking system for de-orbiting satellites showcased in a temporary display cabinet.
Engaging Digital Displays
The gallery offers its only digital feature: a massive globe adorned with projection mapping of our solar system, narrated by the UK’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman. This innovative addition helps to contextualize the physical exhibits and enhances the experience of space exploration.
Nostalgic Absences
Despite these exciting additions, the gallery does suffer from some notable absences. The beloved model Lunar Module—a centerpiece since the 1970s—is currently out of commission due to its delicate condition. The museum is exploring options to bring it back, but for now, visitors will have to settle for the incredible artifacts on display.
Moreover, smaller, intriguing exhibits, such as the early history of rocketry and the ill-fated Beagle-2 probe, have also disappeared from the layout. The new ethos seems to focus on showcasing the highlights of this impressive collection in a more open space—a practical approach considering their popularity, yet it leaves a nostalgic void.
A Grand Vision for Space Exploration
The previous gallery space was often criticized for lacking the room necessary to appreciate its wonders fully. This new setup resolves that issue, providing a generous area where visitors can admire the displays without feeling cramped. While the space may not be ‘out-of-this-world,’ it has succeeded in putting these treasures into a stable orbit where they can be admired more effectively.
The Science Museum’s revamped space galleries are now open and free for all to enjoy. So gather your family, step into the cosmos, and experience the marvels of space that have captured the imaginations of generations past and present.
Happy exploring!
All images: Matt Brown