Quebec Space Attraction To Offer Virtual Missions
The Cosmodome in Laval, Quebec calls itself Canada's only museum
dedicated to the understanding of space exploration. A
transformation of the attraction will be complete in just days,
making it a center that will stimulate interest in space adventure
and spark enthusiasm for space. On December 15, it will open the
door to a new and unusual concept: a virtual experience of space
and methods of space exploration.
Unique in Canada, this museum dedicated to astronautics will
present three interactive space missions that are scientific,
educational and entertaining. During their 60-minute virtual
experience, visitors will take part in a mission of their choice:
reliving the conquest of the Moon, embarking on the perilous
journey to Mars, or discovering the mysteries of the cosmos by
launching a probe.
Everything has been designed to immerse participants in a space
station atmosphere. Most of the Cosmodome has been transformed to
accommodate a boarding platform that leads to 17 futuristic
modules, where the visitors can take part in scenarios that provide
a wealth of information and interaction.
The redevelopment of the program for the museum portion of the
Cosmodome was launched in 2009, with extensive prior planning by
the center’s management. It was completed within the
projected budget of $10.5 million, which included grants of $7
million from the Government of Quebec and $3.5 million from the
Ville de Laval, owner of the Cosmodome building and the land on
which it sits.
In addition to the three virtual space missions, the attraction
has also updated its permanent exhibition of artifacts from the
conquest of space and still offers its Space Camp for budding
astronauts.
"The Cosmodome has been updated to reflect advances in space
exploration and new museum practices that will capture the interest
of our primary target audience: visitors aged nine to 15, who are
fascinated by anything experiential. Of course, we are also
targeting families, school groups and even corporate groups. The
images, anecdotes and scientific facts presented and the virtual
experiences the participants will enjoy have been validated by a
scientific committee.
"With the introduction of this new concept, we intend to double
our attendance in 2012 and have set ourselves a goal of more than
150,000 visitors," said Sylvain Bélair, the Cosmodome's
Executive Director.