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German Space Travel Exhibition in
Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz
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The main focus of what is a unique
exhibition in Germany is to demonstrate to the general public
the benefits of pursuing research projects in space. Starting
with a brief historical summary of developments in astronomy,
the discoveries made as a result and man's desire to leave his
home planet, the exhibition documents the first experimental
flights and rockets. The exhibition covers a wide spectrum encompas-
sing the initial man-made satellites orbiting round the earth,
the first Soviets and Americans in space, the moon landing programme,
satellites and probes, either close to planet earth or travelling
to distant galaxies, and the space stations from the early days
to the new International Space Station.
The section of the exhibition dealing with unmanned space travel
is largely devoted to the broad range of satellite systems close
to planet earth. This ranges from communications satellites
that have become an integral part of modern life to weather
satellites and even environmental and special research satellites.
Thanks to the support from national and international space
administrations and research institutes, visitors obtain some
impressive information about the latest findings from remote
sensing and environment monitoring satellites and how they are
used to carry out research in the fields of meteorology, cartography,
oceanology, communications and ecology.
The section of the exhibition that deals with manned space flight
mainly documents flights by German astronauts and cosmonauts.
Particular emphasis is given to the flight made by the first
German cosmonaut, Dr. Sigmund Jähn, who comes from Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz.
Visitors can not only see original space suits and research
equipment, but also many interesting exhibits, which provide
information about everyday life in a weightless world and how
some results obtained during space flights are used in the fields
of medicine, biology, industry and daily life. Almost every
German who has been into space and many Russian and American
cosmonauts and astronauts have played their part in making this
exhibition very special because they have donated personal gifts
from their missions.
A glimpse of life in very cramped quarters is a very special
experience. The training module for the base unit of the MIR
space station provides a vivid impression of life aboard. Many
European space travellers completed the first stage of their
training in this module.
The exhibition also provides many opportunities for visitors
to expand their knowledge, discover new facts and experience
what space travel is all about…
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