Cosmodome facts for kids
A replica of an Ariane 4 rocket outside the Cosmodome
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| Established | December 16, 1994 |
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| Location | 2150 Autoroute des Laurentides, Laval, Quebec, Canada |
| Type | Space museum |
| Public transit access |   Montmorency |
The Cosmodome (also known as Cosmodôme in French) is a cool place in Laval, Quebec, Canada. It's a museum and learning center all about space science!
The Cosmodome is home to two main parts: the Space Camp Canada and the Space Science Centre. Space Camp Canada first welcomed young explorers in July 1994. The Space Science Centre, which is the museum part, opened its doors to the public in December 1994.
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Cosmodome's History
The Cosmodome first opened in 1994. A few years later, in 1997, it faced some money problems. But don't worry! The government stepped in to help. They provided financial support in March 1997, which allowed the Cosmodome to keep inspiring future astronauts and scientists.
The Space Science Centre: Explore the Universe!
The Space Science Centre is a special museum. It's the only one in Canada that focuses only on space science. Inside, you can see amazing things from outer space.
One of the coolest items on display is a real lunar rock! This rock was brought back from the Moon by astronaut James Irwin. He collected it during the Apollo 15 mission. It's one of only two lunar rocks you can see in Canada.
Space Camp Canada: Train Like an Astronaut!
Space Camp Canada is where you can experience what it's like to be an astronaut. It has six awesome space simulators. These machines are designed to show you how challenging it is to work and move in space. Let's check them out!
1/6th Chair: Bouncing on the Moon
Imagine walking on the Moon! The 1/6th chair helps you feel what lunar gravity is like. It holds you in a chair connected to springs. This setup lets you bounce around in a special area. Your mission on this chair is to pick up objects from the ground while you're bouncing. It's harder than it sounds!
Zero G Wall: Floating in Space
The Zero G Wall is also called the Wall of Weightlessness. It makes you feel like you're floating in mid-air. How does it work? A special counterbalance is filled with water. When the water weighs about the same as you, you can move freely. You can go up, down, and side to side! Often, you'll get missions to interact with a fake satellite hanging nearby. It's a great way to understand weightlessness.
Space Station Mobility Trainer (SSMT): Exercise in Orbit
Astronauts need to stay fit in space. The SSMT was created to help them exercise while orbiting Earth. It's a circular jogging pad with a special chair and harness. Once you're strapped in, you can run forwards and backwards. The pad rotates, making it feel like you're moving in a big circle.
Manned Maneuvering Unit: Flying Solo in Space
The Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) at the Cosmodome is like the real NASA vehicle. It uses compressed air to float like a hovercraft. This means it can move with very little effort. You can control it to move left, right, forwards, and backwards. You can also make it spin around and tilt up and down. It's like flying your own mini-spaceship!
Multi-Axis Chair: Getting Disoriented in Space
Space can be very disorienting. The multi-axis chair shows you why! You get strapped into this chair, and it spins in three different directions at the same time. This can make you feel very dizzy! Your challenge is to try and read words or identify pictures while you're spinning. It's a fun way to test your balance and focus.
