New City of Waterloo Museum exhibition explores health challenges faced by astronauts in space

The City of Waterloo Museum is ready to reopen its doors and welcome back visitors with the new Health in Space: Daring to Explore exhibition. This special exhibition was developed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, one of three museums under Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.

Health in Space demystifies the health challenges — such as variable gravity, radiation, and isolation — that astronauts face while living and working in space. Through authentic artifacts and captivating interactive activities, this exhibition will engage visitors to better understand Canada’s role in advancing health research. Discoveries in this field will be essential for the success of future deep-space expeditions, and may help solve medical challenges on Earth.

The museum has also collaborated with the Schlegel-Research Institute for Aging through the University of Waterloo whose work is closely connected with the International Space Station (ISS). Dr. Richard Hughson and his team here are conducting experiments in space with ISS astronauts right here in Waterloo! Dr. Hughson is applying his research to enhance the quality of life for the aging.

Health in Space also includes video interviews with Canadian astronauts, which offer first-hand insight into their experiences. A special section within the exhibition highlights astronaut David Saint-Jacques’ recent mission, from his selection and training to the experiments conducted while aboard the ISS.

What: Health in Space: Daring to Explore
Where: City of Waterloo Museum, located at Conestoga Mall (near the food court)
When: February 24, 2022 to September 2022

Exhibition hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission is free.

COVID-19 pandemic protocols

• People 12 and older must show enhanced proof of vaccination or medical exemption (with QR code) and government ID.
• All visitors must wear a mask.

More information on this exhibition can be found on Ingenium's website.

Funding by the Government of Canada made the circulation of this exhibit possible.

“Ingenium is proud to bring Health in Space to visitors with the help of the Canadian Space Agency. This exhibition helps to demystify a very complex aspect of space exploration, celebrate the important contributions Canadians have made in this field, and better understand the unique medical challenges astronauts face.” 
-- Christina Tessier, President and CEO of Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation.

About Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation

Ingenium celebrates the innovative spirit of Canadians by telling the stories of those who dared to think differently. Inspired by the power of ingenuity, Ingenium encompasses three national institutions: the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. These three museums are places where the past meets the future, with spaces where visitors can learn and explore, play and discover. Ingenium continues to evolve — the brand new Ingenium Centre houses Canada’s science and technology collection, a research institute, and a digital innovation lab, all designed to protect priceless Canadian heritage artifacts for the benefit of many generations to come. Beyond the physical walls of its museums, Ingenium’s engaging digital content, outreach programs and travelling exhibitions serve to educate, entertain, and engage audiences across Canada and around the world.

About the City of Waterloo Museum

Popular for ever-changing exhibitions and offering access to Waterloo’s premier shopping centre (Conestoga Mall) at its doorstep, the City of Waterloo Museum explores the hometown history of Waterloo and the stories we have to share. The City of Waterloo Museum is the place to discover an array of historical objects, art and artifacts that tell the story of Waterloo from its founding in 1806 to the present day. The museum features a main gallery containing fabulous items from its sizeable holdings of over 15,000 objects, including the restored 1919 Pierce Arrow Seagram Whisky delivery truck, and provides various elements to learn about and celebrate all things Waterloo!

For more information, please call Karen VandenBrink, manager, museum & archival collections at 519-885-8828 or visit waterloo.ca/museum

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Media contact:

Cari Van Niekerk
Manager, Corporate Communications
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca