CosmodomeWhat if space were told to you?

A Brief History
by Tourisme Laval

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Who hasn't heard of the Cosmodome? A true icon with its rocket, which has become a visual landmark of Laval’s tourist landscape, the Cosmodome explore space in a unique and immersive environment. But did you know that all the scientific content presented there is created by a doctor of astrophysics who first worked as a program facilitator at Cosmodome? Now the director of scientific content and education for the Cosmodome, Marie-Michèle Limoges and her team offer visitors scientific content that is tailored and simplified for all audiences.

Passionate about astronomy (she wanted to study the stars from the age of 9) and science communication (she was a regular at science fairs), Marie-Michèle draws inspiration from current events to train program facilitators, design and create programs for school groups, contribute content to the website, and deliver public lectures. Thanks to her exceptional ability to make scientific information accessible to the general public, the media often calls on her as an expert. “My goal is to make space science accessible, engaging, and interesting. I want to highlight Canadian expertise, encourage careers in aerospace, and show young people that they can achieve their dreams by guiding them through the steps and presenting the various options available to them. Whenever possible, I even offer them an observation internship where they can ask all their questions. “I’m lucky to have such a wonderful job, and I make it a point to share my knowledge and passion,” says Marie-Michèle.

Space… as if you were really there!

You’ll begin your journey into space with a visit to the permanent exhibition, where you can build or expand your knowledge of astronautics. Highlights of this exhibition include an impressive full-scale model of the solar system, a spacesuit actually used for astronaut training, the J-2 engine from the Saturn V moon rocket used between 1967 and 1973, and a genuine moon rock. “Between 1969 and 1972, the Apollo program brought back 384 kilograms of moon rock, and we are fortunate to have one of them at Cosmodome. On loan from NASA, it is sealed in nitrogen, which means it won’t oxidize and will retain its original colors. When you look at it closely, you can even see the 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 the three virtual missions? “This concept, unique in the world and created in Montreal, allows aspiring astronauts to immerse themselves in a fully immersive adventure aboard a space station. You can’t have an experience like this anywhere else,” adds Marie-Michèle. You’ll have the choice of 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 a taste of the training David Saint-Jacques underwent before his mission aboard the International Space Station (the longest space mission to date for a Canadian astronaut, lasting 204 days), you can try out the simulators, including the multi-axis chair known for inducing disorientation. Do you have a strong enough stomach?

When the hosts get involved!

Why not experience it all? The Cosmodome docents Cosmodome a tour that engages all five of your senses. With passion, they share scientific and historical facts, fun stories, and offer interactive activities designed to make learning engaging for young children. “Our docents are our best ambassadors. They are dedicated and determined to do everything possible to ensure that every visitor leaves with new knowledge and a sparkle in their eyes. My role, therefore, is to provide them with all the necessary tools so they stay up to date on the latest scientific developments and are able to meet the needs and answer the questions of our visitors, ensuring they have an unforgettable experience,” concludes Marie-Michèle.

Did you know?

• The Cosmodome the only museum in Canada dedicated entirely to promoting space science.
• The rocket located outside the Cosmodome a 4/5-scale replica of the European Ariane 4 rocket.
• There are only two moon rocks in Quebec, one of which is at Cosmodome. Most of these rocks are at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
• The company that designed the Canadian Arm is also the one that built the replica on display at Cosmodome.
• Visitor numbers at Cosmodome  over 140,000 visitors annually.
• You can actually sleep at Cosmodome! By signing up for one of the space camps offered, you’ll have the chance to spend a night in modules similar to those found on the International Space Station.
• The Cosmodome nearly 50 educators who are passionate about science and teaching.

Cover photo credit: Geneviève Gélinas