Space adventures

Ever been keen on an outer space outing? FRANCIS DASS writes where that wish is almost a reality.

The Blast Zone gives visitors a firsthand experience of a space shuttle lift-off.

THE country is still in the grips of space fever, ever since astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor spent 10 days and 21 hours in space as the first Malaysian out there in October.

Taking the public interest in space exploration further is the Malaysia International Space Adventure (Misa) exhibition. It is on at Precinct 5 in Putrajaya until March 16.

The exhibition is expected to draw around 10,000 visitors each day, says Jamilah Itam, Misa project director.

Misa is jointly organised by Ad Suria Sdn Bhd and the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia.
Set in large white tents on an area measuring about 28,000 square metres, the Misa exhibition comprises eight interconnected zones that enable both children and adults to experience the following activities/themes: Galactic Concourse; History of Space Exploration; Magic Planet; Mars Rover; Space Station Interactive; Space Shuttle Flight Deck; Blast Zone and 4D Theatre.

“We anticipate the most popular attractions will be the Blast Zone and the 4D Theatre,” said Jamilah.

Her sentiments were echoed by Luxembourg-based Jeroen Nijpels, who is in town to offer his consulting services to Misa.

“The Blast Zone is a simulation attraction from Houston Space Centre’s visitor centre in the United States,” Nijpels said.

Nijpels is from a Luxembourg company called JN Entertainment & Leisure Consultancy.

At the Blast Zone, visitors can get the feeling of being at close proximity to a blast off (minus the heat, of course!) and they will also get explanations about the jet fuel used in space shuttles and the types of engines used in space flights.

The 4D theatre will feature a 3D Belgian computer-animated film called Fly Me To The Moon, complete with 3D glasses and seats that play a big role in enhancing the effects of the film.

“4D takes 3D to the next level. The seats move, there will be air blasts, leg ticklers, wind, smoke and light effects to enhance the effects of the 13-minute-long film. The theatre accommodates 96 people at a time,” he said.

Also of interest to visitors is an 1:18 scale model replica of the International Space Station in the Space Station Interactive zone.

The Magic Planet zone is a darkened room where images from outer space will be projected.

There is a sense of being in space; the Mars Rover zone features remote-controlled models of the Mars Rover which Nasa launched to explore the Martian landscape.

Jamilah said two men in astronaut suits will walk around and mingle with visitors.

There are food and beverage outlets and performances by an Australian arts troupe called Strange Fruit. Note that Strange Fruit will only be performing until tomorrow.

Tickets to Misa are now being sold at Eye on Malaysia in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur as well as in Alamanda, the shopping centre in Putrajaya. There are also on-site sales of tickets at Misa’s venue in Putrajaya’s Precinct 5.

At a glance:

Malaysia International Space Adventure

Theme: Experience Space on Earth

Duration: Dec 15, 2007 until March 16, 2008

Opening: Mon to Thurs hours (10am - 11pm, last entry at 9pm); Fri - Sun (10am - 12am, last entry at 10pm)

Admission fees:: Adults (RM38 each); Children aged 3 to 12 years old (RM23 each)

Location: Precinct 5, Putrajaya (look out for large white tents)

For details on ticket sales venues, call Jamilah Itam (019-212-1765) or Regina Yau (016-2298860).