New interactive exhibition on aerospace innovation to launch at Michigan Science Center
Exhibit opens Jan. 30, presented locally by Aramco Americas
Detroit, Mich., Jan. 9, 2024 –“Above and Beyond,” an interactive science exhibition exploring transformative innovations in aerospace, will launch Tuesday, January 30, in Detroit at the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci). “Above and Beyond” is presented locally at Mi-Sci by Aramco Americas. Mi-Sci members will get a sneak peek on Sunday, January 28.
The 6,000 square foot exhibition will offer an unprecedented interactive demonstration of advances in aviation and aerospace, from the first powered flights to the newest innovations on Earth and in space.
“Above and Beyond” will push our guests to their limits and help them discover if they have the ‘right stuff,’” said Dr. Christian Greer, president and CEO of Mi-Sci. “This is one of our coolest traveling exhibitions to date, and guests won’t want to miss the opportunity to fly in formation like a bird or test pilot a totally new aircraft of their own design, all while applying STEM skills and having fun exploring the future of aerospace.”
After entering an immersive wraparound theater, visitors can venture into five galleries comprising dozens of interactive displays. Exhibit-goers can ride to the edge of space in a simulated space elevator or test their own supersonic fighter jet design in a virtual high-speed flying competition. A group flying experience with motion-sensing image capture helps visitors sense what it’s like to fly like a bird in a flock, while exploring the forces of flight.
Exhibit technology such as flight simulation, immersive theater, touch-table displays, and augmented reality, offer an experiential understanding of the scientific concepts behind flight.
“Aramco Americas is committed to supporting educational outreach in our communities, and we are pleased to partner with the Michigan Science Center to bring ‘Above and Beyond’ to Detroit,” said Hatem Alfayez, director of Public Affairs, Aramco Americas. “With this exciting new exhibit, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and science enthusiasts.” Since 2019, Aramco Americas has been a proud sponsor of Mi-Sci’s Traveling Science Program which brings interactive STEM education programs into predominantly underserved communities throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
The tour is sponsored nationally by Boeing [NYSE: BA], developed in commemoration of Boeing’s 100th anniversary.
“Sparking an interest in the wonder of aerospace at an early age is a priority for Boeing, and the ‘Above and Beyond’ exhibition provides future engineers, pilots or astronauts with an interactive glimpse into how they can achieve their dreams and inspires them to pursue careers in science and technology,” said Todd Citron, Ph.D., chief technology officer and vice president and general manager of Boeing Research & Technology. Boeing has launched three concurrent international tours, spanning North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
“Above and Beyond” is produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in association with Boeing, and in collaboration with NASA and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. For complete tour schedules and more information, please visit AboveandBeyondExhibition.com
The exhibit is included in Mi-Sci’s general admission tickets, available at www.mi-sci.org. Mi-Sci is located at 5020 John R. Street in Midtown, Detroit and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday and until 8 p.m. the first Friday of every month. For details visit www.mi-sci.org.
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through their Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO Live!, Mi-Sci is expanding beyond its Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.
About Aramco Americas
Aramco Services Company (d/b/a Aramco Americas) is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Aramco, a world leader in integrated energy and chemicals, and has had a presence in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Aramco Americas is a contributor to the U.S. energy sector through research and development, venture fund activities, asset ownership, as well as technology and digital transformation. The company is headquartered in Houston, and maintains offices in Washington D.C., Boston, and Detroit. Aramco Americas is committed to making a positive, sustainable difference in the communities where our employees live and work, particularly through philanthropic investments in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and programs that address environmental conservation and biodiversity. americas.aramco.com
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at boeing.com.
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