A large-scale aerospace education hub has been launched in Beijing, offering children and teenagers an interactive experience of China’s space achievements and future exploration.
The China (Beijing) Aerospace Science Center, situated within a park-style commercial complex in Changping District in the city’s northwest, aims to address the shortage of high-quality aerospace education facilities in the country, reported Science and Technology Daily.
Spanning 3,700 square metres, the centre is designed for visitors aged between 6 and 16, blending real aerospace technology resources with engaging, interactive exhibits.
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The facility features six themed zones arranged along the timeline of human space exploration. A “time tunnel” showcases 100 key milestones, with emphasis on China’s comprehensive space development. Visitors can take part in a simulated rocket launch countdown, explore the internal structure of satellites step by step, and understand the engineering processes behind space missions.
Among the highlights is a life-size replica of the core module of the Tiangong space station. A lunar experience zone enables visitors to wear simulated moon suits, operate a virtual lunar rover and observe a panoramic model of Martian weather. Digital simulation areas also allow virtual tours of the solar system.
The centre further includes role-playing activities where children can act as aerospace engineers, a nearly 30-metre-long disassembled rocket on display, a holographic presentation of the full space station assembly, an interactive moon-base construction game, a life-size model of China’s first Mars rover Zhurong, and a virtual reality interstellar exploration experience.
Four specialised aerospace laboratories equipped with decommissioned but authentic research instruments have also been set up for educational use.
The centre’s content has been developed under the guidance of leading institutions, including the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory and the Beijing Institute of Space Science and Technology Information, ensuring scientific accuracy and rigor in all exhibits and activities.