The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum unveiled its newest exhibit on May 10, a Space Shuttle created in partnership with the 30^th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The interactive exhibit simulates rocket launches with audio recordings from NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery. A hands-on launch sequence and video feed from the base highlight science, technology engineering and math education.

“The Vandenberg Launch Experience will catapult kids into space, connect them to the powerful technology in their own backyard and inspire them to pursue careers in the aerospace industry,” Discovery Museum Executive Director Chris Slaughter said in a news release. “We are thankful to Col. Moss, the 30^th Space Wing, and our advisory committee of STEM professionals for making this all possible.”

Located on 13,000 square feet of space at 705 S. McClelland St., the Discovery Museum has been in Santa Barbara County for 21 years, operating exhibits, weekly programs and special events. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

“Our goal with this exhibit is to ignite young imaginations and reinforce the importance of math and science in and outside of the classroom,” Slaughter said.

• Contact Marissa Nall at mnall@pacbiztimes.com.