From mid 20th century fashion and flying saucer research to early satellites and rocket playgrounds, the space race captured the imagination of Australia and its people.
On tour to Orange Regional Museum from the National Archives of Australia, Out of This World: Australia in the space age looks back on those exciting days to examine the nation's response to space research and exploration from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Learn about the history of Woomera Rocket Range and Australia's important role in tracking the Apollo missions.
See how futuristic ideas influenced everything from architecture to pop culture, including the creation of everyone's favourite puppet, Mr Squiggle - 'the man from the Moon'.
OUT OF THIS WORLD: National Archives of Australia exhibition curator Catriona Donnelly (right) discusses the exhibition with Orange Regional Museum manager Mary-Liz Andrews (left) and public engagement and education officer Anastasia Freeman.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd welcomed the exhibition and encouraged residents to come along to Orange Regional Museum to learn about this important time in history.
"Orange City Council is excited about this partnership with the National Archives and to share this stellar exhibition with our community," Cr Kidd said.
National Archives Director-General, David Fricker says the exhibition tells a diverse range of stories, all connected by our nation's desire to understand space.
"Celebrating Australia's involvement in the space race, Out of This World has something for everyone, from cutting edge scientific research to space-age toys, design, television and much more," he said.
"We look forward to sharing this exhibition with the Orange community as it tours around the country."
Out of This World will be displayed at Orange Regional Museum from 15 May to 18 July.
Everyone is welcome to come along to the exhibition opening at 6pm on Friday 14 May. The event is free to attend and light refreshments will be served, however spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
A guided tour of the exhibition will be held at 11am on Saturday 15 May with National Archives of Australia curator Catriona Donnelly. Bookings for this are also essential.
Tickets for both these events are available from Eventbrite.
The exhibition is supported by the State Library of South Australia, the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program and Visions of Australia.
