The local Sandton community was transported to another world as A Gateway to Space: The Exhibition opened at the Sandton Convention Centre on 1 June.
The exhibition was developed as a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa). From a replica of a space shuttle cockpit to actual moon rock, the exhibition offers the opportunity to take a peek into an outer world very few get to experience.
The exhibition was officially opened by director-general of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr Phil Mjwara who described the exhibition as a source of great inspiration for young school pupils to inspire them to develop a love for science and to showcase the advancements made in South Africa.
Along with Nasa’s exhibition, the department held a show with a history of South Africa’s science and space sector. This exhibition was done in collaboration with organisations such as Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, Southern African Large Telescope, South African National Space Agency, Square Kilometre Array Project (SKA) and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
“Space science and technology, particularly satellite applications, have rapidly become an integral part of our daily lives, from observation of earth as a system to connecting people through mobile apps and broadcasting to satellite navigation,” said Humbulani Mudau, chief director of space science and technology at the Department of Science and Technology.
“The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, recently emphasised that science isn’t only for the elite, and our partnership at this exhibition aims to support this.”
Spokesperson for Media24, who helped bring the exhibition to South Africa, Minette Ferreira said, “It’s an enormous privilege to bring this phenomenal experience to the nation in collaboration with the most relevant government department. We’re delighted to see schools come on board and that more than 20 000 schoolchildren have so far booked to come to the exhibition.”
Details: www. gatewaytospace.co.za
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