HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — What do you know about drones? A new exhibit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. “Drones: Is The Sky The Limit?” answers your questions and shows what these vehicles are capable of.
Drones are more than a toy given out on Christmas; the remote-controlled planes are be used by the military, help with agriculture and explore the ocean. In the exhibit, visitors can walk and interact with stations that teach about how drones add to technology.
Did you know that scientists are working on a drone that serves as a taxi in the sky that operates without a pilot?
Interactive screens with information, videos, and surprises are placed around the exhibit.
WZDX'S Jonah Karp had a Q&A with Dr. Kay Taylor, VP of Education at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS THAT PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT DRONES?
When people think about drones they think small. They think that it either has a military application, or perhaps that it's something that was under the Christmas tree that your child may scare the neighbor's cat with.
SO THIS IS AN INTERESTING PART OF THE EXHIBIT THIS IS DETAILING WHAT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT DRONES, BECAUSE IT'S WHAT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT DRONES.
Absolutely. Consumer use, commercial use, use in agriculture, public safety, military...you're seeing drones more and more. This exhibit helps inform the public between and dispell the myths of drones and the actual facts of drones.
AND THE BIGGEST MYTH THAT NEEDS TO BE DISPELLED IS WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION?
That you can fly it anywhere, anytime you want without any repricussions.
These are drones that have been very successful in aiding our military. They not only have been able to provide reconnaissance, and information, they're also a measure of security for our troops.
WE'VE GONE TO THE MOVIES NOW. WHAT MOVIE ARE WE WATCHING?
So, a portion of our exhibit that features a video montage of drone clips from around the world. What's so fantastic about this, is that it shows the way the drone can change your perspective with the data it sends you.
CONSIDERING WHERE YOU GUYS WERE AT THIS POINT LAST YEAR AT THE SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER, HOW SPECIAL IS THIS?
It's incredible. Seeing this place full of people learning and enjoying their experience is really gratifying after what has been a really tough year.
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The museum opened their doors to the public and increased their public gathering limit earlier this year in May after being closed for months due to COVID-19. Vaccinated visitors are not required to wear a mask. These special exhibits come around every three months. “Drones: Is The Sky The Limit” will be open until Sept. 12 and visitors can purchase tickets online at RocketCenter.com.