The NASA Glenn Research Center Presents...

We are pleased to introduce to you the NASA Glenn Visitor Center's newest attraction, "Eva the Astronaut." During special events at the Visitor Center, Eva is on hand to greet visitors with hugs, handshakes and high-fives. If there is music playing, Eva finds herself unable to resist the beat of the music and starts dancing.

Eva's steps to the rythym with a new friend.

Eva also makes special appearances at selected off-site events as the Visitor Center's good will ambassador. Eva isn't shy, so she'll gladly pose for pictures or get involved with the fun.

'Astronauts' meet: Col. Robert Cabana poses with Eva at an event.

Eva is larger than life...standing 8-feet tall. Her fluffy frame makes hugging her almost irresistible. She adapts well to normal Earth gravity, amazing spectators with her agility and grace.

Eva is the strong silent type. Her space suit prevents her from communicating verbally with anyone who isn't in radio contact with Mission Control. Nevertheless, she is quite expressive.

The Genesis of Eva

Astronauts need a space suit to protect them from the harsh space environment whenever they leave their spacecraft. The official NASA term for space walking is "Extravehicular Activity" or "EVA." The space suits themselves are called "Extravehicular Mobility Units" or "EMUs." Quite frankly, naming our friend "Emu" just didn't sound very flattering! Eva embodies the spirit of NASA's heroic space walkers: past, present and future.

The Inside Scoop

Eva is an inflatable costume. A battery pack powers a small fan that keeps the suit inflated. NASA staff wear this costume and work with the crowds for periods of approximately 45 minutes out of every other hour. An escort is required to navigate Eva through smaller passageways and to communicate on her behalf.

Scheduling an Appearance

As stated above, Eva only makes occasional appearances at selected events at the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and larger off-site events as a part of our Traveling Exhibits program. Unlike most of our other exhibits, Eva is only available for events where NASA staff is available to support.

Learn More

For more information about the spacewalks, visit the Space Station Extravehicular Activity Page.