Interactive flight exhibition opens at the National Maritime Museum
Today the Royal Museums Greenwich, Evergreen Exhibitions, Boeing and NASA joined to open 'Above and Beyond', the new interactive flight exhibition at the National Maritime Museum (NMM).
Courtesy Katie Chan
Above and Beyond is a groundbreaking exhibition exploring the wonder of flight and the marvels of aerospace innovation, design, and technology using fully immersive experiences to explore the impact of aerospace in our world – and beyond.
Aimed at seven to 14 year-olds, Above and Beyond seeks to inspire the next generation of British engineers, pilots and crew to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global aerospace innovation.
The UK is the third largest source of supply for Boeing after the United States and Japan and has the second largest aerospace industry after the US. London is the first European stop for the travelling exhibition after welcoming more than five million visitors so far at museums in the US and the Middle East.
Above:
Six year old space enthusiast Betty Knowles is one of the first to experience 'Above and Beyond'.
Sir Michael Arthur (right), president of Boeing Europe and managing director Boeing UK and Ireland, said: “Boeing marks its centenary in July this year and we look to the future at Above and Beyond, seeking to inspire the next generation in the UK to choose our sector for their future careers.
“Furthermore, we’re delighted to extend the relationship with the museum through an additional education partnership so that this inspiration remains in Greenwich long after Above and Beyond has moved on to its next stops around the world.”
On hand to launch the exhibition was Chris Ferguson, a former NASA astronaut and retired US Navy captain, who is now deputy manager of the Commercial Crew Programme for Boeing. Ferguson has space shuttle experience as pilot of STS-115 (Atlantis) and commander of STS-126 (Endeavour) and the final shuttle mission, STS-135 (Atlantis). He has logged more than 40 days in space.
“The first person to set foot on Mars is likely to be studying in school today,” said Ferguson. “So many people inspired and supported me to become an aviator and astronaut when I was younger, it’s great to have the opportunity here in London to spur on the next generation to continue humanity’s exploration of space.”
The exhibition opens to the public on Friday 27th of May in Greenwich and remains open throughout the summer before closing on the 29th of August.