NASA a perfect fit for the geekiest of gatherings—Comicpalooza
2018-06-04
NASA played a starring role from May 25 to 27 at the George R. Brown Convention Center during Comicpalooza, where celebrities, guest Q&A, photos and autographs, comic-book creators, cosplay, anime, gaming and all things geeky are celebrated annually.
This year’s Comicpalooza in Houston handily eclipsed last year’s event, hosting more than 47,000 visitors. NASA’s Johnson Space Center brought not only a visually stunning exhibit, but one that had a virtual element, as well—and 90 volunteers selected from the V-CORPs volunteer database.
NASA’s 2,500-square-foot exhibit highlighted advances in human spaceflight and celebrated 60 years of exploration. Visual elements included unique artifacts, some of which had never been publicly displayed, and a real Mercury spacesuit. Visitors were also able to detour into an “exploration diorama” for a special photo opportunity. Other experiences for the offering included an interactive art project, Robonaut replica, showcase of America’s fleet of spacecraft and the return of cuddly Cosmo, the inflatable astronaut.
For the first time at Comicpalooza, NASA invited guests into a virtual reality suite, where guests could tour the International Space Station, drive a rover on the surface of the Moon and take a dip in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory to train like an astronaut preparing for a spacewalk.
Attendees also were able to meet and greet with NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren, who was part of Expedition 44/45 aboard the space station, and add his autograph to their collection.
Enjoy images from this year’s festivities below.
This year’s Comicpalooza in Houston handily eclipsed last year’s event, hosting more than 47,000 visitors. NASA’s Johnson Space Center brought not only a visually stunning exhibit, but one that had a virtual element, as well—and 90 volunteers selected from the V-CORPs volunteer database.
NASA’s 2,500-square-foot exhibit highlighted advances in human spaceflight and celebrated 60 years of exploration. Visual elements included unique artifacts, some of which had never been publicly displayed, and a real Mercury spacesuit. Visitors were also able to detour into an “exploration diorama” for a special photo opportunity. Other experiences for the offering included an interactive art project, Robonaut replica, showcase of America’s fleet of spacecraft and the return of cuddly Cosmo, the inflatable astronaut.
For the first time at Comicpalooza, NASA invited guests into a virtual reality suite, where guests could tour the International Space Station, drive a rover on the surface of the Moon and take a dip in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory to train like an astronaut preparing for a spacewalk.
Attendees also were able to meet and greet with NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren, who was part of Expedition 44/45 aboard the space station, and add his autograph to their collection.
Enjoy images from this year’s festivities below.
