LUNAR LAB
Play area focused on lunar exploration
HOW TO TAKE PART
An exhibition open to the public throughout all visiting hours
The exhibit
The Lunar Lab interactive exhibition, dedicated to lunar exploration and the Artemis programme, takes children on an immersive journey that combines science, engineering and STEM skills, offering an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities of contemporary space exploration.
At the heart of Lunar Lab lies the story of the scientific and technological importance of designing living environments in space: extreme environments where every design choice is crucial to ensuring the survival, safety and operational capability of astronauts.
Through an educational, innovative and interactive experience, the exhibits invite visitors to understand how energy, resources, food, transport and human labour are being reimagined to meet the demands of increasingly complex and challenging space missions, with an eye on the Moon and beyond.
At Lunar Lab, learning happens through doing. The experience adopts a ‘learning by doing’ approach, based on interaction, experimentation and play, to make even scientific and technological concepts accessible by transforming them into concrete and enjoyable experiences. Children independently carry out activities that encourage observation, exploration, problem-solving and critical thinking, linking these to the real-world challenges of space exploration. The aim is to foster scientific curiosity and technological awareness, introducing children and their families to STEM subjects and promoting a culture of innovation that is inclusive and accessible.
Lunar Lab’s interactive stations allow participants to explore technologies and innovations, highlighting the contribution of Italian scientific research and engineering to the international landscape of space exploration.
From the observation and management of energy in space, to applied robotics, right through to hydroponic cultivation systems for food production, each experience is designed to make complex concepts relating to astronomy, the universe and scientific discoveries accessible.
There are 6 different themed stations along the route:
Explore the Moon’s surface
To understand how energy is produced and used in space.
Control a robotic arm
To experiment with technologies that support missions.
Grow your own space vegetable garden
To find out how to survive in space using hydroponics.
Put on your space suit
To explore life and work beyond Earth.
3-2-1… Launch the rocket!
To learn more about space transport systems.
How much does something weigh on the Moon?
To understand gravity.
The gaming stations are flanked by information kiosks that complement and expand on the content.
The interactive exhibition thus offers an inclusive and stimulating experience, designed to engage visitors of all ages with the themes of space and lunar missions, whilst fostering scientific curiosity, technological awareness and a culture of innovation that is accessible to everyone.
Developed in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency
We are made of the same stuff as the stars.
Margherita Hack