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Published on January 19, 2025
Michigan Science Center's Planetarium to Blast Off with $2.6M Upgrade from Ballmer GroupSource: Mx. Granger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The cosmos-themed educational experiences at the Michigan Science Center are slated for a significant upgrade, made possible by a $2.6 million grant awarded by the Ballmer Group. WWJ Newsradio reports this funding will elevate the center's planetarium theater with improvements like an 8K digital projection and enhanced real-time science visualization capabilities, specifically geared towards creating an immersive and interactive environment.

Referred to as the "Hyperspace Initiative" by the Metro Times, not only will the planetarium receive a tech overhaul, but education extends beyond with the addition of interactive games and hands-on activities in related space exhibits. Despite the extensive internal upgrades, the exterior of the building is to remain unchanged. Commencing in November, the project is expected to wrap up by the end of 2025.

The Ballmer Group, committed to enhancing economic mobility for families in the United States, has chosen to invest in this particular project in southeast Michigan. Steve Ballmer, the co-founder of the organization, has personal ties to Michigan, being a native and an alumnus of Detroit Country Day and Lawrence Tech. According to WWJ Newsradio, the grant aligns with the group's mission to address inequalities and broaden opportunities, a shared priority echoed by Christian Greer, President and CEO of Mi-Sci.

"Space is much closer than you think, and you may one day have the opportunity to visit," Greer told DBusiness, "But why wait? This transformative grant from Ballmer provides us an incredible opportunity to take advantage of renewed public interest in space and use it as a relevancy gateway for enhancing public knowledge and improving K-12 STEM literacy."