Space travel and living on the moon…, what was once a dream for everyday people might soon become a reality. Before you can actually travel to space, why not visit Miraikan to experience a simulated space walk and moon exploration? You’ll be one step ahead of time using the latest VR technology and a lunar rover!
The first activity is a VR spacewalk experience that challenges you to perform an EVA (extra-vehicular activity) around the International Space Station (ISS) in virtual space. In the second activity you experience driving the YAOKI, an ultra-compact lunar rover set to be launched to the moon. Afterward, think about what you would like to do in space, while interacting with Miraikan's space-related exhibits through a stamp collecting.
Based on the “Miraikan Vision 2030”, announced in April 2021, Miraikan - the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation has established four key themes as “entrance points” to consider the future: Life, Society, Earth, and Frontier.
“Mirai can Now” is a series of events that allows you to encounter, and experience the “Now” of research and development for the future, by engaging with people working to achieve that future. This event, focused on the theme of “Frontier” follows on from our first theme, "Imagination ⇔ Implementation: Creating Your Future with Robots," and the second theme of, "Update Yourself."
Exhibit line-up
Seeing the world through the eyes of an astronaut: a metaverse experience
What do astronauts see as they live on the International Space Station (ISS)? By using a VR visor, this exhibition puts you in space! THE ISS METAVERSE exhibition uses virtual space to reproduce the ISS in orbit so that you can be an astronaut and experience a spacewalk. See the ISS's as it orbits the Earth, as well as real-time scenes that reflect day and night on the ground, all right in front of your eyes. We invite you to imagine a future where anyone can go to space, while communicating with those who have explored space.
Period: Wednesday, February 22 to Friday, March 31, 2023
Venue: 1st floor Symbol Zone in the Special Exhibition Zone
Eligibility: Individuals 13 years old or older (individuals who can wear VR visor)
Participation Method: Numbered tickets distributed at the exhibition venue on the day
Cooperation: Bascule Inc., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
BE A YAOKI PILOT! -YAOKI, The World’s Smallest Lunar Rover
Currently, plans are underway so that people can live on the moon. To do this, it is necessary to find locations, and then investigate what kind of resources are there so that people can better survive. Unmanned lunar probes (rovers) are expected to play an active role in such surveys. Experience the future of lunar exploration by operating one such probe, the ultra-compact lunar rover YAOKI, which is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Period: Wednesday, February 22 to Friday, March 31, 2023
Venue: 1st floor Symbol Zone in the Special Exhibition Zone
Eligibility: Recommended to third-grade elementary school students and above *Children who are second-grade elementary school students or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
Participation Method: First come first served basis on the day (numbered tickets may be distributed during crowded time such as on weekends and holidays)
Cooperation: Dymon Co., Ltd.
Other related events
New ideas for a comfortable “Life in Space!”
The International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts live, orbits 400 kilometers above the Earth. Because the ISS environment is different from here on the ground, there are unexpected problems and inconveniences. Therefore, in 2020, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) collected ideas for products for everyday life that can solve such problems. Nine ideas were selected from those that were submitted by many corporations. Those products were delivered to the ISS in the fall of 2022 after they underwent space-specification development and their safety and “space usability" were confirmed. This exhibition introduces those newly developed products for everyday life in space.
Period: Wednesday, February 22 to Friday, March 31, 2023
Venue: 5th floor Permanent Exhibition, near "This is ISS, go ahead"
*Admission to the permanent exhibition requires a separate fee.
Cooperation: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Wacoal Corp., Snow Peak, Inc., sitateru Inc., Trife Inc., TSUYOMI Co., Ltd., Lion Corporation, Kao Corporation, Mandom Corporation, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.
Amazing Space Jobs Revearled!!
What do you imagine when you hear the phrase "space jobs"? For example, do you think about people like astronomers, astronauts, or engineers who build satellites? Recently, however, a variety of space jobs have been created, such as cleaning up space, building spaceports for going to space, and thinking about new ways to enjoy space.
To learn more, a Science Communicator interviewed people who have space jobs! The Science Communicator asked them about their work, how space is connected to our daily lives, and what kind of future they are striving to create.
Period: Wednesday, February 22 to Friday, March 31, 2023
Venue: 5th floor dining space (formerly the cafe area)
Cooperation: Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Axelspace Corporation, Astroscale Japan Inc., ALE Co., Ltd., Dymon Co., Ltd.
Collect stamps while looking at the exhibitions! The "Completed in Layers! Space Pioneers!" Stamp Rally
Original stamps have been set up near the four newly unveiled space events and exhibition corners. When you put all four of the stamps together, they complete a single picture. Visit all four corners and come up with new ideas for space while collecting the stamps and completing the picture!
[Stamp Locations]
- Seeing the world through the eyes of an astronaut: a metaverse experience (1st floor Symbol Zone)
- BE A YAOKI PILOT! -YAOKI, The World’s Smallest Lunar Rover(1st floor Symbol Zone)
- New ideas for a comfortable “Life in Space!” (5th floor Permanent Exhibition)
- Amazing Space Jobs Revearled!! (5th floor dining space)
*Other related events will be announced at a later date.
Overview
- Title
- Mirai can NOW Vol.3 “Crazy about Space! - Experience Space Walks! Explore the Moon! -”
- Period
- Wednesday, February 22 to Friday, March 31, 2023
- Venue
- Miraikan 1st floor Symbol Zone and 5th floor Permanent Exhibition, etc.
- Admission fee
-
Free admission
*A separate fee is required for admission to the permanent exhibitions, special exhibitions, and Dome Theater.
- Organizer
- Miraikan - The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation