"Benefits of Space" traveling exhibit at Laboratory's Bradbury Science Museum Oct. 8-9

Contact: Steve Sandoval, steves@lanl.gov, (505) 665-9206 (02-113)

Recent News Los Alamos scientist named Asian American Engineer of the Year Los Alamos scientist featured in NASA science update Los Alamos muon detector could thwart nuclear smugglers Wojciech H. Zurek named Phi Beta Kappa visiting scholar Four Los Alamos physicists honored by American Physical Society Los Alamos National Laboratory organizations earn seven out of 13 NNSA Pollution Prevention awards Carter Hydrick returns to the Bradbury Science Museum Feb. 15 Laboratory supports summer science program New NASA IBEX mission to carry Los Alamos instrument Beason takes top threat reduction post at Los Alamos

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Oct. 3, 2002 -- “Benefits from Space,” a traveling exhibit from NASA makes a two-day stopover at Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Bradbury Science Museum on Oct. 8-9.

The free exhibit is an opportunity for the public to learn about technology benefits derived from the U.S. space program, said Pat Berger of the museum, part of Los Alamos’ Community Relations Office. The exhibit is open to the public from 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. both days.

Many common, everyday items grew out of technology developed in the space program. “Things we now take for granted, like the common home smoke detector and cordless tools have grown out of technology derived from the space program. More recent technological developments include a miniature implantable heart assist device based on space shuttle fuel pumps and protective clothing that can be used for a variety of applications based on spacesuit technology,” said Charlene Gilbert of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which owns and operates the exhibit.

“The Benefits of Space on Tour exhibit clearly depicts the many ways in which technologies derived from the U.S. space program impact everyone’s daily life, and identifies tremendous potential for even greater future benefits to the public from the ongoing exploration of space,” Gilbert said.

The semitrailer that houses the exhibit will be parked in the parking lot west of the museum at the corner of Central Avenue and 15th Street. The exhibit travels to about 50 special event sites across the country from February through November.

The exhibit, which includes audio and video exhibits and a surround-sound theater, takes approximately 30 minutes to view in its entirety. Registration is not required except for groups larger than 10. To schedule a group viewing, call 665-0896.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.