The third annual Space Nation Day at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum will highlight the crucial role of West Texas’ oil and gas industry in the future of space exploration.
The event, taking place Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., offers an immersive experience with astronaut training exercises, interactive exhibits, and a live Q&A with former NASA astronaut Terry Virts.
“When Space Nation first approached the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum about partnering for this event, we were a little taken aback—how does the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum fit into space exploration?” said Mara Bland, the museum’s associate director.
“It wasn't until Kalle opened our eyes to the fact that in order for space exploration to advance, we must learn how to extract resources from the moon and potentially other planets. This is where the oil and gas industry comes into play.”
The event will feature a space mission challenge where participants can experience astronaut applicant skill tests and engage in a treasure hunt for clues hidden throughout the museum exhibits.
Additional hands-on activities will include building MagnaTile rockets, creating glowing planets, engineering astronaut puppets, exploring tethering astronauts, and attending a Discovery Dome show.
Virts, who serves as an astronaut advisor for Space Nation’s fifth Moon Pioneers Mission, will be present for a live Q&A. He will discuss his experiences in space, the importance of exploration, and details about the ongoing simulated Moon Pioneers Mission, which takes place at the Midland Air & Space Port.
The highlight of the event is the grand prize drawing for a VIP ticket to the Moon Pioneers Space Simulation Mission, valued at $12,500. The winner will join an international crew in a realistic mission to establish a simulated moon base.
“The oil and gas industry extracts resources better than any other,” Bland said. “We hope visitors walk away with a greater appreciation for how the industry that impacts our daily lives plays a vital role in space exploration, and a sense of pride that Midland is at the forefront of this next age of discovery.”
Organizers hope attendees leave the event feeling inspired by the possibilities of space and the role that West Texas can play in the future of exploration.
“At best, it can be empowering with a sense of hope for the future,” Bland said.