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Online Author Talk With Smithsonian's Dr. Jennifer Levasseur

Behind the Scenes at the Space Station

You’re invited to virtually step behind the scenes of the International Space Station with Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur! You'll learn all about how the space station was built, how astronauts live on it and more, plus get a visual tour. Adults and teens. Register to get a link. A recording will also be available for later viewing.

Revealing a new perspective into the world of space exploration and the daring astronauts who make it possible, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur will take you behind the scenes for a fascinating tour of the International Space Station. 

"Behind the Scenes at the Space Station" is a treasure trove of information. Learn what the astronauts do once they make it to the space station, from experiments to repairs and so much more! Have you ever wondered if plants could grow in outer space? Or how the space station doesn’t break down in outer space? Or how astronauts go to the toilet in microgravity?

Did you know that during a 24-hour period, the space station completes 16 orbits of Earth and the astronauts on board see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day? Or that the International Space Station is so enormous that it was launched in pieces and constructed in orbit?

Brimming with astonishing visuals, step-by-step explanations of everyday space work in action, and job profiles of the adventurous people who make it happen, Dr. Levasseur’s tour is the perfect way to spend an hour and experience life in space.

Adults and teens. Register now for your all-access pass to a spectacular home in space! 

About the Author: Dr. Jennifer Levasseur is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan. She received an master's degree from George Washington University and a Ph.D. from George Mason University. Her first book, published in 2020, examined the cultural significance of astronaut photography. She is the curator responsible for the Museum's astronaut cameras, chronographs, the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. In 22 years at the Museum, Jennifer has worked on artifact loans, a biennial museums conference and numerous digital projects. She curated the 2015 exhibit "Outside the Spacecraft: 50 Years of Extra-Vehicular Activity," co-curated "One World Connected" and is lead curator for the forthcoming "At Home in Space" gallery.

This event is part of DBRL's Online Author Series, supported by David Lile honorarium funds. A recording will also be available for later viewing on the author series site.

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