Space rocket debris lands at Scitech

The Scitech Discovery Centre will be the new home for the space debris which last year washed up on a beach near Green Head, 250km north of Perth.

This new display will be launched during National Science Week from 12 August, allowing visitors to get up close to piece of a rocket ship that has been to space and see first hand the engineering and design that goes into a space craft.

The creation of this new display is thanks to the WA Government, Minister Stephen Dawson and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, made possible through an extra $1 million in funding announced on Friday, provided to Scitech in the State Budget.

Designed and developed in Scitech’s onsite workshop, the display will allow visitors to learn what part the object played in the rocket’s launch and its journey from landing in the Indian Ocean to travelling several years via ocean currents before being discovered on the beach in Western Australia in July last year.

The object was originally investigated by the Australian Space Agency and discovered to be part of a polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV), a rocket designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation to primarily launch satellites into orbit. The space debris is part of the third stage of the PSLV, which after burning through its fuel is designed to separate from the rocket and fall back to earth.

The space debris is currently stored at Scitech’s warehouse before the new exhibit is installed at the Discovery Centre for National Science Week.

The extra funding will also go towards further development of new exhibits and refurbishment of the Discovery Centre’s exhibition galleries, with a focus on Western Australian scientists and innovations and Aboriginal science.

These include the interactive 3D experience Science on a Sphere which will allow our visitors to explore our planet and solar system in a dynamic visual way.

The Banksia Woodlands installation was originally created as part of Scitech’s 2020 touring exhibition Earth Matters and depicts the six seasons of Western Australia as told through the eyes of an Aboriginal elder. This exhibit will be re-created so it can be permanently displayed for Western Australian audiences to immerse themselves and understand challenges facing our rich and fragile local environment.

The funding will also enable Scitech to reach regional and remote communities through our Statewide outreach program, allowing us to deliver engaging and hands-on science learning experiences to primary school students who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

“We’re very excited for Scitech to be the new home for the space debris. Along with every Western Australian we were fascinated by the story of this object washing up on our shores last year. So it’s a privilege to be able to give the community the opportunity to come and see this impressive object for themselves and learn about the role it played in sending a rocket into space and its journey back to earth,” Scitech CEO John Chappell said.

“Scitech is grateful for the continued support from the Western Australian Government, Minister Dawson and the Department of Jobs, Science, Tourism and Industry for this additional funding as part of this year’s State Budget. We know that 89% of Western Australians agree that Scitech inspires the next generation and we are excited that this funding allows us to give people more opportunities to deepen their connection with science and technology, be inspired by the innovation in Western Australia and explore future careers in growing industries.”