Heydar Aliyev Center hosts 'space travel'
By Nigar Orujova
The world premiere of the Cradle to Cosmos exhibition will be held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku on November 22.
The exhibition, held by the United States Space and Rocket Center, will display the history of space conquest from the earliest days of development to the accomplishments of the past half century.
More than 100 unique exhibits will delve into the history of human endeavors in space.
Spatial stations, original particles delivered from cosmic space and other planets, pieces and models of satellites, aeronaut suits and accessories, and pieces of meteorites will be shown to space admirers.
The event's main objective is to promote information technologies, raise awareness in the field of space studies, and support further development and application of ICT in Azerbaijan.
The exhibition will provide all the visitors with a unique chance to make a virtual trip to the space. Six stimulators installed at the show will create a memorable, although short-lived impression of a space flight.
Along with some cutting-edge exhibits never displayed before, the exhibition will present Azerbaijan's initial aerospace accomplishments, such as the country's first satellite, related information, and models.
Previous shows by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center all over Europe were attended by more than 1.5 million visitors. Meanwhile, the event at the Heydar Aliyev Center will put some truly outstanding exhibits on display for the first time.
The show will last until February 23, 2014, and then move to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Milan.
The Cradle to Cosmos exhibition will be held jointly with the Communications and Information Technologies Ministry in the framework of the science and education oriented projects launched by the Heydar Aliyev Center.
The Center, which opened in the Azerbaijani capital on May 10, 2012 on the 89th birthday anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, was established in December 2006.
The Center holds exhibitions and concerts with the purpose of supporting culture development and introducing world culture to Azerbaijan, and tries to expand the relations between countries and people through its projects.
Azerbaijan started its space history by launching its first national satellite, Azerspace-1, in February 2013. The telecommunication satellite covers Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and North Africa.
Launching the second such satellite is planned for 2016. It will provide greater stability of telecommunication services and expansion of coverage area. A low-orbit satellite is also planned to be launched in 2015.