Using a space flown relic to approach space to basic education schools and foster space culture.

Paper number

IAC-17,E1,1,9,x41698

Author

Mr. Mario Arreola, Agencia Espacial Mexicana (AEM), Mexico

Year

2017

Abstract

México, in spite of being one of the top 20 economies of the world it is new to astronautics, and in general the space culture is low, therefore the challenge is how to get the people aquainted, and close to space related subjects. 

About a year ago, the outreach area of the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) got as a loan an original russian Sokol space suit that was flown into space to the ISS and back, by a famous Canadian astronaut. Ever since, we have been showing the space suit at different activities and venues all over the country From elementary schools to senior high schools, including Science Fairs, children festivals, Astronomy and Aeronautic fairs, environmentally conscious NGO’s, also at the Mexican Space Agency’s booth at IAC’16 itself. It resulted a piece of equipment that attracts very much all type of public, that ask lots of questions. Also we have applied the “Have a Spacesuit will travel” program of the Heinlein Prize Trust, the owners of the space suit to whom we are very grateful, into formal education schools, allowing an outstanding student to try it on. The results are great as the Space suit gets lot of attention and questions.

Here it is presented a resume of the travel and results of the use of a space relic to link Young children, students and the general public to space by having contact with a space flown piece of equipment designed to preserve an astronaut’s life in case of an emergency by depresurization of the spacecraft.

Abstract document

IAC-17,E1,1,9,x41698.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,E1,1,9,x41698.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.