Space Museum welcomes 10,000 visitors

Model of Earth and other planets in the Solar System, on display at the Vietnam Space Museum. Photo: Chi Hieu .

This figure far exceeds the initial expectations of the Vietnam Space Center.

"That is a great encouragement," said Mr. Le Xuan Huy, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC). The center's representative also said that although the museum is temporarily closed to complete procedures, many people have still contacted it in the past time.

With the goal of bringing space science closer to the public, visual representation is identified as a key factor that creates the attraction of the museum. Unlike traditional museums that only rely on static models and information boards, the Vietnam Space Museum applies many high-tech solutions. The dome system, real-time data simulation and interactive devices help turn complex concepts such as orbits, satellites or the Big Bang into visual experiences.

The dome is the centerpiece of the entire experience. Five laser projectors with powerful image processors cover the curved ceiling. Viewers feel as if they are moving through the nebula as the light sweeps across the dome. Most screenings during the test period were sold out.

"Museum projection domes are not like those in entertainment areas. They must have depth, helping to convey enough rhythm to tell the story of the origin of the universe," said Mr. Le Huy Thanh Hoang, Chief Representative of Panasonic Vietnam's specialized image display solutions.

The impressive central dome projection screen inside the museum. Photo: Tuan Anh.

The dome surface is constructed of high-precision aluminum. This ensures sound dispersion and sharp images throughout the space. The system allows for precise assembly on curved surfaces, creating a seamless effect.

In addition to the dome projection house, the museum also deploys other projection technologies for each exhibition area. Some models use data directly from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Earth globe hanging in the middle of the museum is a typical example.

The biggest challenge was simulating a 3-meter-diameter Earth sphere. NOAA’s original system only supported projections from within a 1.8-meter sphere. The team spent nearly half a year testing and designing a new solution. The result is that visitors can view storms and ocean currents right on the simulated sphere.

Projection technology helps the museum overcome the limitations of traditional spaces, said Le Xuan Huy. Animation, sound and real-time data combine to create a multi-layered experience. "Technology allows us to tell the scientific story in a more understandable, more vivid way," he said.

VNSC representatives also shared about the challenges related to the projection space and design suitable for hot, humid, dusty environments. Projection quality needs to be stable in tropical climate conditions. Balancing the artistic and scientific elements in the display models also requires a lot of effort.

Panasonic technology solves these problems. The projectors use an advanced laser light source with an IP5X dust-resistant design. A liquid cooling system and filter-free mechanism allow for up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.

The Vietnam Space Museum is built in Hoa Lac, Hanoi , under the Vietnam Space Center (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology). The project, covering an area of over 3,000 m2, started construction in October 2022 and opened on August 21. The space includes an outdoor area and two indoor exhibition floors.

The museum is divided into 5 main areas, displaying models of satellites, planets, rockets and many interactive areas. The design is inspired by the vastness of the universe, with a modern style.

According to the Deputy General Director of VNSC, the museum may reopen in January 2026. It is expected to welcome only about 400-500 visitors per day, and visitors need to book tickets in advance.

VNSC has begun to consider the next phase. The center is planning to build a second space museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Learning from Hoa Lac, the new museum will have a larger space for visitors to experience more. The project is currently in the pre-feasibility study stage.

Projection technology is not the first to appear in Vietnam. Previously, similar solutions were deployed at the Quang Ninh Architecture Planning Palace, the Dinh-Tien Le Cultural Heritage Exhibition House in Hoa Lu, the Da Lat Light Garden and the exhibition "Bui Xuan Phai with Hanoi". The application of technology in cultural spaces opens up new ways of expression, creating attractive visual experiences.

The biggest wish when building the museum was to bring space science closer to the public. "We want the young generation to be able to touch science, instead of just looking at static models," said Mr. Le Xuan Huy.

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