On the Shoulders of Giants

Display Descriptions and Locations

Animals in Space
Before humans were launched into the hazards of space, the United States and Soviet Union sent animals in their stead, primarily chimpanzees and dogs. Space was the great unknown and it was deemed necessary to send animals first for both scientific study and the reduction of risk to human space travelers. After successful launches and medical analysis of the test subjects, both countries introduced the human factor to the era’s Space Race.
Larry Auchstetter, curator (BTC)

Apollo 11
Likely the most famous space mission of all time, Apollo 11 landed the first humans on another celestial body. Millions of people around the world watched the crew of Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins as they undertook the most daunting journey the world has known. On July 20, 1969 the world witnessed the fulfillment of President Kennedy’s promise to land an American on the Moon before the end of the decade. With strong federal backing, NASA rose to the occasion. In addition to mission details, the exhibit displays some of the most historic images from the Apollo 11 mission.
Sean Van Buskirk (EIU history graduate student), curator
Andrew Cougill, curator (north lobby)

Apollo Missions
While Apollo 11 may be the most famous, each of the Apollo Missions contributed significantly to space exploration. The missions prior to Apollo 11 paved the way for a successful landing and subsequent missions collected valuable scientific data to advance our understanding of our closest neighbor. This exhibit shares the stories of the manned Apollo Missions, 7-17 and demonstrates the incredible wealth of science conducted on and near the lunar surface. Here you will find details on the unique objectives and outcomes of each mission and learn how our understanding of the Moon has changed as a result.
Sean Van Buskirk (EIU history graduate student), curator
Andrew Cougill, curator (Marvin Foyer, northwest/northeast case)

Before Apollo
This display depicts the early stages of developing the technology as well as the human survival and physical endurance skills necessary to compete in the Space Race. It was during Project Gemini, that America overtook the Soviet Union and made it possible to go the moon.
Larry Auchstetter, curator (BTC)

Breaking Barriers in Space: Women and Space Exploration
Since Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman launched into space in June 1963, there have been more than 60 female space travelers. This exhibit illustrates the careers of several prominent of those astronauts and cosmonauts.
Bradley P. Tolppanen, curator (Marin Foyer)

Busted Myths: The Moon Landing Hoax
The Moon landing has long been the subject of conspiracy theories. The article from Skeptic Magazine refutes the hoax allegations.
(Marvin Foyer, northeast case)

EIU and Space Exploration
Panthers have been making contributions to space exploration for generations. Join us as we celebrate just a handful of the many EIU alumni and faculty members who contributed to human achievement in space. Do you have an EIU space story to share with us? We look forward to hearing from you!
Andrew Cougill, curator (Reference hallway)

First 12: Astronauts on the Moon
Only 12 human beings have walked on the surface of the Moon, with Neil Armstrong being the first to step on the lunar surface in 1969 and Eugene Cernan the last to step off that surface in 1972. This display provides information on the 12 astronauts who landed on the Moon as well as details on the six command pilots who flew on those missions.
Bradley P. Tolppanen, curator (Marvin Foyer, southwest case)

Future Human Spaceflight
We stand on the brink of another great leap in space exploration as NASA builds and tests its Space Launch System (SLS). The new rocket does not replace the retired space shuttle fleet, it surpasses it! The much loved space shuttle ferried crews and equipment to low-Earth orbit on 135 missions over 30 years. After a long service life the shuttles retired leaving the United States without the ability to launch astronauts into space. The SLS is a new system more reminiscent of the Saturn V rockets of the Apollo missions, and for good cause. The SLS mission is to deliver crews and equipment beyond low-Earth to the Moon and beyond, destinations the shuttle could never achieve. The technology of SLS and the Orion crew and service modules are among the most incredible accomplishments of our generation. Learn the basics of SLS and Orion in this introductory exhibit then follow NASA updates as we draw ever closer to launch of these new systems!
Andrew Cougill, curator (north lobby)

Commercial Space Transportation
As NASA pursues more distant and complex missions beyond low-Earth orbit, the demand for resources is strained. To relieve this stress, NASA has partnered with a number of commercial partners to provide transportation to and from low-Earth orbit, including the International Space Station. Businesses like SpaceX, Boeing, and Sierra Nevada are developing crew modules to safely and efficiently transport humans and cargo. This exhibit outlines the relationship between NASA and its commercial partners. Each partner is contributing incredible new technology to space flight in ways we’ve only dreamed. Start your own exploration of commercial space flight here.
Andrew Cougill, curator (Marvin Foyer, southeast case)

Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians who helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly tells the story of four African American female mathematicians who overcame gender, race, and professional barriers to contribute to the American space program.
(Marvin Foyer, northwest case)

The Moon Landing on Television
A vintage Magnavox television console displays footage from the launch and landing of the Apollo 11 mission. On July 20, 1969, over half a billion people worldwide watched the first-ever moon landing on TV. This event marked the first time in human history a person set foot on another world. Through the magic of television, people around the world saw and heard Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin broadcasting live as they calmly carried out their mission.
David Bell, Curator (Marvin Foyer)

Spacewalkers
Operating outside the space craft is properly referred to extravehicular activity or EVA, more commonly referred to as a spacewalk. More 215 humans have completed spacewalks, with Astronaut Ed White being the first American to complete an EVA. To operate outside the space craft requires the donning of space suits, which have evolved since the first models of the 1960s.
Bradley P. Tolppanen, curator (Marvin Foyer)

Walking on the Moon: Space Exploration in Literature, Music, and Movies
The Moon and the possibilities of space travel have long been explored in many artistic forms. This exhibit presents examples of space travel being depicted in novels, movies, television shows, and songs.
Bradley P. Tolppanen, curator (Marin Foyer)

Partner Exhibit
The Geology and Geography Department will be unveiling its new mineral display on Thursday, February 21st at 2 pm outside of PHY 2040.  Some of the stars of this collection include meteorites - including one from the Moon! These meteorites were recovered from places such as North West Africa, a common meteorite hunting ground. Additionally, this display boasts an autographed photo of Harrison Schmitt, the first and only scientist to have gone to the Moon. Dr. Schmitt holds the distinctions of being a geologist, university professor and former U.S. Senator as well as being the last living human to walk on the surface of the Moon. This display has been created from donations and specimen loans from Rick Smith at the Doe Run Mine, Geno Persico, Jake Crandall and Diane Burns as well as departmental purchases.

Credits
Exhibit production: Beverly Cruse, Joseph Morris, James Trevarthan, and Beth Heldebrandt