SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Eric Lesser and state Sen. Adam Gomez unveiled $100,000 in funding for a new International Space Station exhibit in the Springfield Science Museum on Oct. 25.

Lesser shared that the project will offer hands-on science, math and technology learning, as well as increasing the visibility for one of Springfield’s biggest tourism attractions. “This is a very important tourism attraction along with being a vital community education asset. It creates immense [economic] spin-off,” said Lesser. The senator said he hopes projects like this will bring Springfield’s recovering tourism numbers to their pre-pandemic heights.

During his speech, Gomez reflected on the impact that the Springfield Museums have on the larger community. “These are things that we want to make sure stay in place for generations to come,” said Gomez, who explained that the funds are a proactive way to bring more excitement toward Springfield. President & CEO of the Springfield Museums Kay Simpson and Director of the Springfield Science Museum Mike Kerr also spoke about the significance of growing the museums.

In an interview with Reminder Publishing, Kerr shared details about the project’s development. He explained that the International Space Station exhibit is currently in its design phase and will include a mixture of interactive and multi-media elements. The design is being completed with modular components in mind so that the exhibit can maintain quality condition over the years, according to Kerr.

Along with playful oddities like a NASA spacesuit and a spaceship toilet, the exhibit will also include a live feed from the international space station’s celestial viewpoint. Kerr revealed that the project is tentatively scheduled for a May 2022 opening.