Cosmodome... And if space were told to you

A brief history
by Tourisme Laval

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Who hasn't heard of Cosmodome? A veritable icon with its rocket, now a visual landmark on Laval's tourist landscape, Cosmodome lets you explore space in a unique, immersive environment. But did you know that all the scientific content presented is created by a PhD in astrophysics who first worked as an animator at Cosmodome? Now Director of Scientific Content and Training at Cosmodome, Marie-Michèle Limoges and her team offer visitors scientific content adapted and simplified for all audiences.

Passionate about astronomy (she wanted to study the stars from the age of 9) and science popularization (she was a fan of Expos-sciences), Marie-Michèle draws inspiration from current events to train animators, imagine and create programs for school groups, fuel reflections on the website and offer conferences for the general public. Thanks to her ability to popularize scientific information, the media often call on her as an expert. "My aim is to make space science accessible, lively and interesting. I want to highlight Canadian expertise, stimulate careers in aerospace, and show young people that it's possible to make their dreams come true by showing them the steps to follow and the different options available to them. Whenever possible, I even offer them the opportunity to observe an internship, where they can ask all their questions. I'm lucky enough to work in a wonderful profession, and I make it my duty to share my knowledge and passion," emphasizes Marie-Michèle.

Space... as if you were there!

You'll begin your journey into space with a visit to the permanent exhibition, where you can expand or deepen your knowledge of astronautics. Key features include an impressive full-scale solar system exhibit, an actual astronaut training suit, the J-2 engine from the Saturn V lunar rocket used between 1967 and 1973, and an actual moon rock. "Between 1969 and 1972, the Apollo program brought back 384 kilos of rock from the Moon, and we are lucky enough to have one of them at Cosmodome. On loan from NASA, it is sealed in nitrogen, which means it will not oxidize and will retain its original colors. If you look closely, you can even see meteorite impacts. So we can play scientist and analyze it ourselves," explains the Director of Scientific Content.

Photo credit: Martin Alarie

After your analysis of the Moon, how about becoming a space exploration hero by taking part in one of three virtual missions? "This unique concept, created in Montreal, allows budding astronauts to plunge into a completely immersive adventure aboard a space station. You can't get this kind of experience anywhere else," adds Marie-Michèle. You'll be able to choose between sending the first human to the Moon, sending a probe to the planet of your choice, or being the first human to attempt the perilous odyssey to Mars.

And if you'd like to experience some of the training David Saint-Jacques underwent prior to his mission aboard the International Space Station (the longest space mission to date for a Canadian astronaut, at 204 days), you can try out the simulators, including the multi-axis chair renowned for stimulating disorientation. Will your heart be strong enough?

When animators get involved!

And why not enjoy the full experience? Cosmodome animators offer you a tour that appeals to all five senses. Passionate about their work, they share scientific and historical facts and anecdotes with you, and propose fun activities to encourage learning among the youngest visitors. "Our animators are our best ambassadors. They are dedicated and determined to do their utmost to ensure that every visitor leaves with new knowledge and a sparkle in their eyes. My role is to provide them with all the tools they need to keep up to date with the latest scientific developments, and to respond to the needs and questions of our customers, so that they can enjoy an emotionally-charged experience," concludes Marie-Michèle.

Did you know that?

• Cosmodome is the only museum in Canada devoted entirely to the dissemination of space science.
• The rocket outside Cosmodome is a 4/5 scale replica of the European Ariane 4 rocket.
• Only two moon rocks are located in Quebec, one of them at Cosmodome. The majority of these stones are at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
• The company that designed the Canadarm is also the one that built the replica that can be seen at Cosmodome.
• Cosmodome is visited by over 140,000 people every year.
• You can sleep at Cosmodome! By taking part in one of the space camps on offer, you'll have the chance to spend a night in modules similar to those found on the International Space Station.
• Cosmodome is staffed by almost 50 people with a passion for science and education.

Cover photo credit: Geneviève Gélinas