Budding astronauts will be able to take part in a special space science exhibition that will run at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum from 22 December until the end of January.

The Tūhura Tuarangi - Aotearoa in Space Showcase started in Dunedin and is now touring the country, bringing the magic of space, exploration and science to more towns and cities.

The showcase gives you the chance to build a satellite, launch a rocket, and see how you can create energy out of water. You can get up close with ion thrusters, a four-billion-year-old meteor, and a part of a secret Russian space craft.

There are also virtual reality experiences where you can take your first giant leaps into space and explore our entire solar system and beyond.

Tūhura Tuarangi is packed with hands-on interactives to play with, build, launch, and explode with your whole whānau.

Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum deputy director Danielle Campbell said it was a chance for people young and old to discover the amazing space technologies and world-leading research going on in New Zealand and learn about all the space-related careers that were unfolding.

“It’s also a chance for people to share their own hopes and dreams for what Aotearoa’s future in space might look like – and how you can be a part of telling the space story.

“We think the showcase will appeal to many people and we're really looking forward to hosting it.”

The showcase will be at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum from 22 December until 29 January, and open from 10am-4pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when the facility is closed.