See the Engine Used in Nuriho?... Nowon Astronomy and Space Science Museum Special Exhibition 'A Step Toward Space'

Nowon Astronomical Science Museum Hosts Aerospace Special Exhibition Until December 12 to Commemorate 'Nuriho' Launch... Exhibiting Full-Scale Model of Nuriho 7-Ton Engine and Tools Actually Used on the International Space Station

Surviving in Space

Cosmos Hall

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will operate a special aerospace exhibition titled 'One Step Toward Space' to commemorate the first Korean launch vehicle 'Nuriho,' which made a new history in South Korea's aerospace industry, until December.

The special exhibition, which offers a glimpse into humanity's footsteps in space exploration, the development process of Korea's aerospace science and technology, and the actual engine of Nuriho, will be held at the Nowon Astronomy and Space Science Center.

First, at the entrance of the science center, visitors can see the actual 7-ton class engine used in the Korean launch vehicle 'Nuriho.' The engine is used in the third stage of the launch vehicle, which separates after the first and second stages and finally places the satellite into orbit. It is named for its power to launch a 7-ton weight into space.

The Big History Hall on the third floor of the science center is the main exhibition hall of this special exhibition and is organized into four themes.

'The Universe Viewed from Earth' features the history and models of telescopes for space observation such as the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and the Korean VLBI Network (KVN), and offers an experience to observe actual meteorites under a microscope.

'Earthlings' Space Exploration Project' displays various satellite and solar system probe models, including the Voyager spacecraft. Visitors can also see tools actually used by Dr. So-yeon Lee, South Korea's first astronaut, on the International Space Station.

'Surviving in Space' introduces life in the International Space Station under microgravity, including space suits and daily necessities. Visitors can play a space debris catching game using a touch screen and take commemorative photos at the space station photo zone.

'The Future of Space Exploration' exhibits past rocket probes and current International Space Station LEGO models, and provides a time to express and showcase visitors' ideas about the future of space through drawings.

Additionally, on the fourth floor Cosmos Hall, visitors can enjoy various exhibitions and VR experiences to learn about the diverse aspects of the universe.

The science center stated that this special exhibition was planned in cooperation with the Naro Space Center Space Science Museum under the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the National Gwacheon Science Museum, and the Seodaemun Museum of Natural History to allow visitors to see aerospace-related exhibits that are usually difficult to access all at once.

Admission is free, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the exhibition operates on a 100% advance reservation basis. The number of visitors and operation methods will be adjusted according to future social distancing measures.

For reservations and detailed information, please visit the Nowon Astronomy and Space Science Center website.

Opened in 2017, Nowon Space School completed the expansion of exhibition experiences and interior remodeling in March this year and has been operating under the new name 'Nowon Astronomy and Space Science Center.'

With one basement floor and six above-ground floors, it is equipped not only with exhibition halls but also a planetarium, audiovisual room, and education rooms.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, "With the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho reaching an altitude of 700 km in space, South Korea has taken a step closer to becoming a space powerhouse," and added, "We hope many people will show interest in this exhibition where they can see the past, present, and future of aerospace."

Inquiries: Nowon Astronomy and Space Science Center, Nowon-gu Office Education Support Division