New interactive space exhibition opens this fall in Birmingham—experience microgravity + more

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Do you think you have to day-trip to Huntsville for all things space and rockets? Starting Saturday, September 20, you can experience the galaxies right here in Birmingham with the must-see exhibition Mission: Astronaut.

Here’s a glimpse at why it’s out of this world and where you can find it downtown at McWane Science Center.

What is Mission: Astronaut?

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into an astronaut’s boots and blast off like a shooting star, this hands-on exhibition is your ticket to life in orbit.

Produced and toured by Flying Fish, with support from The Doseum and the Intrepid Museum, you’ll train like an astronaut, tackle real space challenges and explore microgravity firsthand.

The best part? It’s for everyone—from Birmingham’s smallest space explorers to lifelong stargazers.

Step into an astronaut’s world

Experience hands-on activities at the Mission: Astronaut exhibition at McWane Science Center. (Flying Fish Exhibits)

Whether you take one small step or one giant leap into the Mission: Astronaut exhibition, you’ll experience tons of hands-on fun and space adventures. Here’s what to expect:

• Meet your astronaut guide—a virtual teammate who will walk you through epic missions and show you how teamwork and skills make space travel possible.

• Prepare for space—learn how to pack a space capsule, practice docking maneuvers and get mission-ready through challenges that will make you feel like part of a real space crew.

• Living in space—discover how everyday tasks like brushing your teeth, cooking meals and going to the bathroom change drastically in orbit. You’ll even get a peek at futuristic sleep pods and bathroom pods to see what life is like in microgravity.

• Science in space—conduct experiments to see how space affects the human body, grow plants for future Mars colonies and explore cutting-edge research happening in orbit today.

• Space operations—slip on spacesuit gloves, test your dexterity and design gear for extreme environments while exploring robotics and technology that keeps astronauts safe.

• Future of space exploration—think ahead about humanity’s next steps in space, the innovation on the horizon, and how it could impact life on Earth.

Catch Mission: Astronaut at McWane Science Center

• Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025-Sunday, January 4, 2025
• Time: 
  • Wednesday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
  • Saturday 10AM-5PM
  • Sunday 12-5PM
  • Closed Monday + Tuesday
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Adults $19.95 | Seniors (ages 65+) $18.95 | Kids (ages 13+) $15.95 
• Tickets

BONUS: Don’t miss McWane’s opening day celebration that will feature:

• Space-themed, hands-on public STEM programming throughout the museum
• Limited IMAX shows of “Deep Sky”, a special documentary about the revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope (requires additional IMAX ticket).

DOUBLE BONUS: McWane members can experience Mission Astronaut early on Friday, September 19. 

• Sign up for a membership now to score a sneak peek. 
• Use discount code Fall25 for $15 off $120 or more. 

Ready for lift-off? Don’t miss your chance to train, explore and dream big at Mission: Astronaut at McWane Science Center beginning September 20.

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