At a workshop in the heart of downtown Dawson Creek, Nick Proach has just completed his latest masterpiece—a miniature replica of Skylab, the inaugural U.S. space station. This scaled-down version features precise details such as tiny solar arrays, a command module, and a telescope mount, all meticulously crafted to a size of 30 inches (76 centimetres), a fraction of the actual Skylab’s 100-foot (30.5-metre) dimensions. Proach, surrounded by numerous miniature spacecraft in display cases, expresses his fascination with space exploration, considering it the most thrilling adventure mankind has ever embarked upon.
Having dedicated over five decades to recreating key moments in human space travel, Proach has catered to prominent clients worldwide with his specialized models. His passion traces back to his childhood in Toronto during the intense Space Race era of the 1960s, where he was captivated by the televised launches of the pioneering astronauts. By the age of 10, Proach began constructing models using materials like cardboard, plastic remnants, toothpicks, and toy parts, inspired by images of the lunar rover from the Apollo 15 mission.
Transitioning to British Columbia in the late 1970s, Proach continued his craft alongside a real estate career, gradually gaining recognition for his work. By the mid-1980s, his reputation soared, leading to notable commissions for Vancouver’s Expo 86, including a 15-foot (4.5-metre) rendition of the U.S. space station Freedom and a 28-foot (8.5-metre) model of Canada’s proposed MSAT satellite.
A pivotal moment in Proach’s career occurred in 1994 when a small advertisement in a U.S. publication attracted the attention of collectors, museums, and aerospace entities globally, propelling him into full-time model-making. His company, serving esteemed clients like NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and SpaceX, quickly expanded, handling intricate projects designed from original blueprints and manufactured with precision across international borders.
Renowned space historian Robert Pearlman, based in Houston, Texas, praises Proach’s expertise, lauding his unparalleled craftsmanship in producing models like the Canadarm. Pearlman highlights the significance of these models in providing a tangible connection to space exploration for enthusiasts who may not have access to authentic artifacts.
Proach’s museum showcases a diverse array of models, including a signed Apollo 11 lunar module by Buzz Aldrin and a detailed representation of Artemis, NASA’s upcoming crewed lunar mission featuring a Canadian astronaut. Acknowledging Canada’s rich aerospace history, Proach continues to enhance his museum’s Canadian content, aiming to educate visitors on the country’s significant contributions to space exploration.
One of Proach’s most cherished possessions is a mission patch that journeyed aboard the space shuttle Atlantis in 2002, symbolizing the culmination of his lifelong dedication to space modeling. Reflecting on this milestone, Proach emphasizes the importance of inspiring future generations to engage in hands-on activities like model-building, encouraging a departure from digital devices towards creative pursuits.
Having relocated to Dawson Creek in 2020 to be closer to family, Proach remains committed to nurturing young minds through his museum, fostering a spirit of creativity and exploration among visitors. As he continues to captivate audiences with his precision-crafted models, Proach’s legacy in the realm of space modeling endures, leaving an indelible mark on space enthusiasts and aspiring builders alike.