Space exhibition opens in Lisbon


Opening of the exhibition
 
Opening of the exhibition
 
 
10 October 2008
 
Today, the last day of World Space Week, marked the official opening of the exhibition 'Space – the last frontier' by the Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Jose Mariano Gago. One of the most impressive exhibits is a 1:10 scale model of the International Space Station, lent for the occasion by ESA.
 
"We hope space becomes a bigger motivation for the scientific community in Portugal. With this objective in mind, this cooperation with ESA is very important to support the relationship of the Portuguese scientists with the Agency, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue to grow," said Jose Mariano Gago during the opening ceremony.

Portugal became a Member State of ESA in 2000. The exhibition, which is dedicated to space and exploration, is being held at Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Ciência Viva. An estimated 250 000 visitors are expected to attend this event which will run until August 2009.
 
 
The ISS model
   
The ISS model
 
Telecomunications, human spaceflight and microgravity are just some of the topics that will be covered by the exhibition which is designed for a public of all ages. Together with the scale model of the International Space Station (ISS), the exhibition will host interactive modules from SciTech, Australian specialists in science education, as well as educational modules produced by the Pavilhão do Conhecimento.

A special dedicated area of the exhibition will show spectacular images and video clips of ongoing and future European space missions. The model of the ISS supplied by ESA is expected to be a major attraction and highlights two very important launches that took place this year. In February, ESA’s Columbus space laboratory docked with the ISS giving Europe its first permanent presence in orbit. Then March saw the launch of ATV Jules Verne, the first in a series of European Automated Transfer Vehicles that carry supplies to the ISS.
  
 
 
General view of the Space Exhibition
 
 
“Certainly the ISS model will become one of the icons of the exposition,” says António Costa, Executive Director of the Pavilhão do Conhecimento. “With this exposition, Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva intends to contribute to the growing enthusiasm to learn more about space, awaken the curiosity of youngsters and provide information and challenges for adults.”

This exhibition, which will be complemented with workshops and talks about various aspects of space in collaboration with ESA’s Communication and Education Departments, will fulfil an important educational role and increase public knowledge of space and how it can improve our daily lives.
 
 
 For more information please contact:
  
Dr Javier Ventura-Traveset
Head of ESAC Communication & Education Office
Communication & Knowledge Department & Education Office
Tel: +34 918 131 181
Email: Javier.Ventura-Traveset @ esa.int

Maria Menendez
Head of the Exhibition Office
ESA Communication & Knowledge Department
Tel: +33 153 69 71 67
Email: Maria.Menendez @ esa.int

Wendy Slater
Exhibition Officer
ESA Communication & Knowledge Department
Tel: +33 153 69 74 18
Email: Wendy.Slater @ esa.int
  
 

Related links

 •  Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Ciência Viva (http://www.pavconhecimento.pt/home/)
 •  ESA Exhibitions (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Exhibitions/index.html)
 •  Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/index.html)
 •  Columbus Mission (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Columbus/index.html)