Officials launch the Tiangong Space Science Exploration and Art Museum in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Sept 10. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
An immersive museum combining aerospace science, digital art and space culture opened in Luohu district, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Sept 10, offering young visitors an opportunity to explore China's space program through interactive experiences.
The Tiangong Space Science Exploration and Art Museum spans more than 3,800 square meters and features 21 themed experience areas. The project aims to bring aerospace education closer to children in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area while linking the region with aerospace-related cultural resources in Northwest China.
At the opening ceremony, representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's industrial culture development center, the China Youth Science Popularization Satellite Project, Luohu district government departments, and cultural and tourism organizations attended.
The ceremony also unveiled two platforms: the China Jiuquan Aerospace Culture and Tourism (Shenzhen Tiangong Space) Operation Center and the Lenghu (Shenzhen) Youth Science and Innovation Base.
Jiuquan, Gansu province, is home to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, one of China's major space launch facilities, and Lenghu, Qinghai province, is known for its Mars-like landscape and astronomical research resources.
The hope is to bring Jiuquan's aerospace heritage to Shenzhen so children in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area can experience space culture closer to home, says Gong Xuejiao, of Jiuquan Culture and Tourism Development Group.
Visitors experience the satellite command-and-control center at the Tiangong Space Science Exploration and Art Museum in Shenzhen. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Inside the museum, visitors can participate in simulated launch procedures, operate a satellite command-and-control system, and explore a 1:1 replica of the China space station's living area.
Other exhibits include a display of a complete extravehicular spacesuit, rocket debris and rocket models, as well as devices that simulate the various gravitational conditions on planets and the moon.
One of the main attractions is a large-format virtual reality experience that takes visitors through a simulated lunar exploration mission. Using VR and interactive technologies, participants experience scenarios including spacecraft docking, weightlessness and a lunar landing.
The museum also incorporates digital art and hands-on activities. Visitors can plant a simulated "space seed", create virtual spacecraft, and experience gravity-themed games, while exhibits introduce space-breeding crops and the development of China's space program.
The venue has adopted a service concept centered on allowing children to take an active role in exploration, with activities designed around curiosity, experimentation, encouragement, and achievement.
The opening comes as China's crewed lunar exploration program enters a key stage. The museum's operators say they hope the venue will serve not only as a family-oriented science education destination, but also as a platform for youth exchanges and aerospace-related cultural tourism across the Greater Bay Area.
