Just a moment ago, it was Louisiana, full of swamps and alligators. Now we're heading into the future, through the Pearl River Wildlife Area, across to Mississippi. The sun beats down on the narrow road that leads to Pearlington, a small town an hour’s drive from New Orleans. The Infinity Space Center: is near the highway. And a place where Earth Meets the Cosmos.
The road winds through marshlands and small villages, over the Mississippi, and past the confident welcome sign of the self-proclaimed "Magnolia State". And then, like a UFO landing within sight, the Infinity Science Center appears - a futuristic-looking building that resembles a spaceship in the flat landscape.
Next to the elongated structure are actual rockets and space landers; massive turbines can be seen, and right beside the swampy foothills that extend all the way here, an unusual museum invites you to delve into the history of space travel, see real spacesuits, and explore parts of spacecraft. As it turns out, this science center offers much more than just a glimpse into space.
Pearlington and Its Significance
Pearlington, a small town in Hancock County, is strategically located near the John C. Stennis Space Center, NASA’s largest rocket propulsion test site. The region, characterized by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, is not only a center for natural phenomena such as hurricanes, but also a place where scientific history has been made.
The Infinity Science Center, opened in 2012, serves as the visitor center for the Stennis Space Center and introduces laypeople to the world of space travel and science. It is a place where history, technology, and nature collide - an invitation to journey through the stars and the forces of the Earth.
Highlight: Immerse Yourself in Space History
The fascination of space travel is palpable even in the main hall. A faithful replica of the Apollo 13 capsule is available for visitors to enter. The interior is cramped; the instruments seem like relics of another era, yet they convey the atmosphere of the astronauts who once orbited the moon in such a capsule.
It’s unimaginable to attempt such an undertaking with what, by today’s standards, seems like primitive technology.
Next door, a real spacesuit, like the one worn by the Apollo astronauts, is on display. The thick layers and bulky gloves speak to the challenges faced by the pioneers of space travel. It’s easy to imagine what it must have been like to walk across the lunar surface in this suit: it looks as if it wouldn’t even be suitable for visiting a bee farm.
The material is a very ordinary fabric, rubberized, but today it’s scuffed and riddled with cracks.
Another highlight is the Saturn V rocket stage, a colossal piece of technological history that once carried humans to the moon. The massive engine impresses with its size and the precision with which it was constructed.
Original parts of space missions can be seen throughout the exhibition - from navigation instruments to fragments of space shuttles. Each exhibit is a testament to human ingenuity, and interactive displays explain the physics behind these achievements.
Experiences: In the World of Astronauts
One of the most exciting moments is the simulator that recreates a space shuttle landing. The controls are complex, and the screen shows Earth rapidly approaching, highlighting the skill required for such a maneuver. An interactive model of the International Space Station (ISS) allows visitors to virtually "float" through the modules and explore the lives and work of astronauts in space. It creates the feeling of being part of their world, if only for a moment.
A center employee, a former NASA engineer, talks about the tests conducted at the Stennis Space Center. His passion conveys why Pearlington is so important to space travel. "This is where the engines that took us to the moon were tested," he explains proudly, "and this is also where we work on the rockets that will fly to Mars."
Other Attractions: Natural Phenomena and Adventure
In addition to space travel, the Infinity Science Center offers fascinating insights into nature. The hurricane chamber is an experience in itself: in one room, winds of up to 120 km/h are simulated, making the raw power of a storm tangible. There’s no way to resist it. It blows everyone away.
It’s a striking reminder of the natural forces that shape the Gulf region. Equally impressive is the virtual submarine, which allows you to explore an underwater world. The intuitive controls and detailed graphics blur the line between simulation and reality.
Exhibits explaining natural phenomena are found throughout the center, from magnetic fields to volcanic eruptions to the formation of stars. An interactive model shows how tides work; another illustrates the formation of tornadoes. These stations are a paradise, especially for children, but adults will also be captivated by the vivid presentation of complex concepts.
A Place for All the Senses
The Infinity Science Center is more than a museum - it’s a place that engages all the senses. The sounds of simulated rocket launches, the tactile experiences of interactive exhibits, and the visual impressions of the giant models make a visit unforgettable. Even the café, which offers regional specialties such as po’boys, contributes to the atmosphere. A shrimp po’boy invites you to reflect on the day’s impressions.
A Must for Science Enthusiasts
As you leave the Infinity Science Center, the sun has set, and the sky above Pearlington is sparkling with stars. The visit not only demonstrates the achievements of space travel, but also how closely science and nature are connected. Whether it’s the opportunity to step into an Apollo capsule, see a spacesuit up close, or feel the power of a hurricane, this center makes science tangible and inspiring.
