Good news, space fans! Grand Universe, a world-class center for science and space exploration, is being build in Westfield! Grand Universe will be an immersive STEM learning center dedicated to fostering curiosity, exploration and education in the fields of science and space exploration. The campus will offer state-of-the-art facilities and programs designed to inspire learners of all ages.
Construction on Grand Universe begins in April 2024. The space campus is currently being built on a property adjacent to Grand Park Sport Campus, near IN-32 and Oak Ridge Road in Westfield. Once complete, Grand Universe will span across 78 acres and immerse guests into a world of science, space and technology.
Related Article: Where to Watch the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Indianapolis
What to Experience at Grand Universe
Grand Universe will be a place where all ages can learn more about science and technology. “This will be the place to go to touch science and space,” says Greg McCauley, CEO of Grand Universe.
A few notable features of Grand Universe will be:
- a fully operational replica of NASA’s Mission Control Center
- an 8K ultrahigh definition digital planetarium and virtual reality theater to experience the cosmos
- smart telescopes housed in advanced solar and deep space observatories
Grand Universe will provide a wide variety of hands-on opportunities for science and space
enthusiasts of all ages. It will also excite those eager to learn more about new technologies. For instance, guests will be able to develop and code robots in a state-of-the-art laboratory and collaborate with local farmers, using agriscience instruments with commercial drones.
K-12 STEM Programming
Purdue University’s Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST) leads the development of all K-12 STEM programming for Grand Universe. Faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students across campus will bring Purdue University’s world-class education and community engagement to Grand Universe. All K-12 STEM programming, curriculum, and activities will align with the Indiana Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. This will distinguish Grand Universe from all other space science centers in the nation.
Prepare for Launch
Grand Universe will officially break ground on the day of the total solar eclipse, April 8, 2024. Because of the massive undertaking of building the facility, Grand Universe is expected to open to the public in late 2025. This time frame coincides with the next landing of human astronauts on the Moon!
More Info
To stay up-to-date with Grand Universe’s progress, visit granduniverse.org or follow Grand Universe on Facebook and Instagram at @GrandUniverseSpace.
[…] Story continues […]