Beijing museum launches immersive showcase of lunar farside exploration

China's first immersive space science exhibition on lunar farside exploration opened at the China Science and Technology Museum on Space Day, which fell on Thursday this year.

Hosted by the China Science and Technology Museum and the China National Space Administration, the exhibition adopts a dual-mode approach combining displays of key artifacts with large-scale VR immersive experiences. It allows visitors to explore the achievements of China's lunar exploration program and envision future missions.

Featured exhibits include China's independently developed high-strength, high-toughness steel used in the Chang'e spacecraft and a rocket engine, highlighting the country's advances in space technology.

High-definition images, mission documentary footage and high-precision spacecraft models are also on display, tracing the development of China's lunar exploration program and explaining the scientific principles and key technological breakthroughs behind the missions.

The VR zone, built on authentic lunar exploration data, enables visitors to "travel" to the Tianshu Base at the lunar south pole in 2049. Visitors can experience a rocket launch, Earth-moon orbital transfer, spacewalk and crewed lunar landing, along with visual simulations of meteorite impacts, cosmic radiation and solar storms.

The exhibition runs through Aug 16 and aims to spark enthusiasm for science, exploration and innovation, especially among young people.