Cupertino Library hosts Galactic Getaway rocket exhibit built by teen

Patrons entering the Cupertino Library this month are met with something usually reserved for Cape Canaveral or SpaceX livestreams: a museum‑grade case of next‑generation rockets-complete with mission patches and QR codes that unlock deeper details.

The display, titled “Galactic Getaway,” will run in the library lobby through May 31. It was designed by Saanvi Phaneendra, a 16‑year‑old sophomore at Dublin High School and Eagle Scout candidate. Phaneendra is also the founder of Galactic Getaway, a nonprofit that sparks curiosity in kids, teens, and young adults by bringing hands‑on space exhibits to public venues.

“We try to bring the universe a little closer, but it’s rare to host a youth‑built exhibit of this quality,” said Bryant Bao, Cupertino Community Librarian. “The models are not toys; they’re high‑quality, metallic, and incredibly accurate, from SpaceX’s Starship to NASA’s SLS, and they’ve already sparked interest from our youngest patrons to teens and adults alike.”

Fresh off a splashy debut at Stanford’s Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) Community Day, Phaneendra’s acrylic case features precision 1:144 scale rockets, each paired with QR‑linked fact sheets and a colorful infographic comparing payload, engines, and fuel types.

“I want kids to realize space isn’t just something you watch on YouTube,” Phaneendra said during installation. “These rockets will drive missions to the Moon and Mars in the next decade, and you can study them right here; no museum ticket needed.”

Cupertino is the first stop in a summer‑long tour that will rotate through other Bay Area library branches.

The exhibit is free and open during regular library hours at Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Ave. More information can be found at galacticget.org.