German Space Travel Exhibition

The German Space Travel Exhibition (Deutsche Raumfahrtausstellung) is a permanent exhibition in Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, Germany. The exhibition is dedicated to spaceflight and space exploration.

History
Sigmund Jähn, born in Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, was the first German astronaut, completing a space mission as part of the Interkosmos program in 1978. To commemorate the joint USSR – GDR space flight, a permanent exhibition was opened in his hometown in 1979 under the name Permanent exhibition of the first joint cosmos flight USSR – GDR (Ständige Ausstellung des ersten gemeinsamen Kosmosfluges UdSSR–DDR). Today, Jähn's hometown is part of the municipality of Muldenhammer in the rural district of Vogtlandkreis.

Following German reunification in 1990, this exhibition was broadened to feature a pan-German perspective on space. In 2006/2007, the exhibition was given a new building with significantly more space and an outdoor area including a "planetary park" and a space travel-themed playground. The exhibition, which is operated by a non-profit registered association, is visited by 60,000 to 70,000 guests every year.

The former railway building in which the exhibition was previously housed still exists. Today it serves as a guesthouse and bistro, with decor inspired by space travel and steampunk. In 2020 the street in which the exhibition is located was renamed from "Bahnhofstraße" to "Dr.-Sigmund-Jähn-Straße".

A further expansion with a second building is planned for the future. The prospective build is anticipated to require an estimated investment of 8.7 million euros and feature a cinematic experience, space bistro, conference centre, and museum shop for visitors. Costs will be split between the Saxon state parliament and tax payer money. Construction is not expected to start before spring 2023 and the opening is planned for 2025.

Collection
The exhibition concept, which was developed in close cooperation with representatives of the German Aerospace Center and the German Museum Munich, includes four main themes:


 * Insights into the history of spaceflight and space exploration
 * Presentation of the benefits of space travel for the Earth
 * Information about space projects in which Germany is involved
 * Appreciation of the achievements of German researchers, engineers, scientists, cosmonauts and astronauts

Important Exhibits



 * Accessible base block of the Soviet MIR space station
 * Original – spacesuits
 * Original engine of a V2 rocket
 * Models of many carrier systems (rockets / Shuttle) on a scale of 1:25
 * Engineering model AZUR – first German satellite
 * Original experiments from the space stations Salyut, MIR and ISS
 * Coupling simulator Soyuz spaceship / ISS
 * Airplane MiG-21F-13
 * In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are 1–2 special exhibitions a year.

Operating association
The registered association Space Travel Exhibition Association (Deutschen Raumfahrtausstellung e.V.) has over 250 national and international members. Almost all German astronauts and cosmonauts are association members. The association designs and operates the exhibition and also organizes various symposia and events. A highlight event is the space travel days with astronauts and cosmonauts, technicians and scientists as well as space travel fans and technically interested people.