Recent Posts
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COFFEE AT THE COSMO: APOLLO’S AMAZING FOLDING ROVER: STORIES OF THE STURDY LRV
March 7, 2023
This informative community gathering over coffee features guest speakers offering insight into STEM and space topics. Coffee at the Cosmo is free and open to the public. -
Spring Break Happenings
March 7, 2023
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March: Women’s History Month
February 28, 2023
The Cosmosphere will highlight amazing women who impacted the history of space and STEM fields throughout the month of March with a blog and daily social posts. -
Get a Free Experiment Kit with Very Special Basil Seeds
February 16, 2023
We recently sent a payload attached to a balloon to the edge of space above the Armstrong limit. -
Inquiry-based science activities to launch in your classroom.
February 15, 2023
TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS: Join Cosmosphere's Education Team for CosmoCon: Titan Teacher Training — inquiry-based science activities to launch in your classroom. -
Ed Dwight, NASA’s First African American Astronaut Candidate
January 27, 2023
In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting the Kansas-born man NASA selected as its first African American astronaut candidate. -
Spring into STEM: 2023 Spring Break Camp
January 25, 2023
7th-12th graders can train with an astronaut this spring break! -
NASA’s Day of Remembrance
January 23, 2023
On the final Thursday of each January, NASA pays homage to lives lost in the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia catastrophes. -
Happy Lunar New Year!
January 20, 2023
A number of cultures use, or have used, the lunisolar calendar. Measuring time this way, the second new moon after winter solstice kicks off a new year and marks the beginning of spring. -
It’s Volta Day! Celebrate batteries, energy, and more at the Cosmosphere.
January 17, 2023
Italian physicist Alessandro Volta invented the battery in 1799. We wanted to celebrate his birthday on the closest school day, February 17, with our favorite people: STEM learners and an astronaut! -
Ring in the Holidays with the Salvation Army and Polar Express!
December 13, 2022
Ring in the Holidays! It’s that time of year, when the The Polar Express rolls into the Carey Digital Dome Theater at the Cosmosphere. -
A Standout Among Standouts: Astronaut Ed White
November 14, 2022
Ed White’s journey to becoming a space-walking astronaut began with military flight service. He graduated from West Point in 1952, after which came flight training, a Master’s degree in aeronautical engineering, and test pilot training. -
Return to panic: How two iconic NASA astronauts survived the 1970s and beyond
November 14, 2022
“Songs are as sad as the listener,” author Jonathan Safran Foer wrote in the novel Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. -
Be a Patron! Shop Museum Store Sunday
November 9, 2022
On Sunday, November 27, 2022, over 1,800 museum stores representing all fifty states, 24 countries, and five continents will offer relaxing, inspired shopping at your favorite museums and cultural institutions. -
In the Night Sky: Full Beaver Blood Moon
November 7, 2022
What's in a name? This month's full Moon is referred to as the Full Beaver Moon, Blood Moon, or Full Beaver Blood Moon. -
Cosmosphere Space Photography Contest
November 3, 2022
Do you love space photography? Do you have a favorite telescopic photo you took of a nebula or a favorite starry nightscape? Then you need to know more about the Space Photography Contest underway at the Cosmosphere! -
Chickasaw, Wailacki, and Navajo People in Space: Past, Present, Future
November 1, 2022
Former NASA astronaut John Herrington, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, remembers the thrill of exploring rocketry with his dad and brother when he was a kid. -
2022 Top 13 Holiday Space Gifts
October 31, 2022
Looking for that unique gift for the space lover or STEM fan on your list? Check out our Top 13 Best Holiday Space Gifts in the Cosmosphere Gift Store. -
OMEGA + NASA = A Match Made in Space
October 25, 2022
An enormous OMEGA watch displays the time to visitors from the southwest corner of the Cosmosphere lobby. But did you know that the same display houses some rather notable artifacts—including a watch worn on the Moon by the first U.S. Astronaut. -
Up Close with the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
October 25, 2022
Like a dazzling star, the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional may seem nearly overwhelming in its beauty, at first glance. -
Purchase the Holiday Bundle to give the gift of Cosmosphere Camp!
October 21, 2022
A summer 2023 Cosmosphere Camp is the perfect experience for the science-minded or space-loving student on your list! -
Faster than the Speed of Sound
October 14, 2022
On October 14, 1947, Chuck Yeager flew over 700 miles an hour in a rocket powered Bell X-1 plane, becoming the first person to break the sound barrier. -
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird’s Unforgettable Goodbyes
October 7, 2022
Typical cruising altitude for commercial planes is around 35,000 feet, give or take a few thousand. The last flight of the SR-71 Blackbird reached 80,100 feet. -
For Some, Sputnik 1 Was No Big Deal (Until It Was)
October 3, 2022
Historian James J. Hartford describes the initial reaction of Moscow leadership to the October 4, 1957 launch of the world’s first artificial satellite as “casual.” -
When Did NASA Start?
September 28, 2022
NASA officially began operation on October 1, 1958. -
Who was Arturo Campos?
September 13, 2022
With anticipation for the launch of Artemis I continuing to build, many have heard the name of a Hispanic hero of the U.S. space program that they may never have heard of before. -
A Starry Past, a Bright Future Cosmosphere and Kansas State Fair
September 9, 2022
This year, Cosmosphere once again brings an exciting micro-burst of live science to the Kansas State Fair. -
Guion “Guy” Bluford, Jr. – the first Black American in space
August 26, 2022
On August 30, 1983, Guion "Guy" Bluford, Jr. became the first Black American to fly in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger during STS-8. -
Happy 91st Birthday to Astronaut Jack Swigert!
August 23, 2022
Happy birthday to John "Jack" Leonard Swigert Jr.! Jack would have been 91 years old today. (1931-1982) -
Neil Armstrong: the first human to walk on the Moon
August 5, 2022
Neil Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. -
Like Grandad, Like Grandson
July 28, 2022
Best-dressed grandad in the universe...is a Cosmosphere Camps alum! (Yep, his tee shows all his grandkids. In space. -
NASA was founded on this day, 63 years ago!
July 22, 2022
On July 29th, 1958, President Dwight D Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 into law, in order "To provide for research into problems of flight within and outside the earth's atmosphere, and for other purposes." -
Coffee at the Cosmo: Celebrating Webb Space Telescope’s First Images
July 7, 2022
Join us for an official Webb Space Telescope Community Event to celebrate Webb’s first images and talk about how Webb can help us re-think our understanding of our galaxy, black holes and the universe! -
What is Flag Day?
June 10, 2022
Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th and was first proposed in the June edition of the 1861 Evening Press. -
Role Models for LGBTQ+ People Interested in STEM and NASA
May 31, 2022
Cosmosphere joins Smithsonian Affiliates around the country to share uplifting LGBTQ+ stories today for the start of Pride Month Month 2022. -
SUNFLOWER SUMMER MEANS FREE COSMOSPHERE ADMISSION FOR KANSAS KIDS
May 6, 2022
Sunflower Summer provides school-aged kids and up to two accompanying adults access to Cosmosphere’s Hall of Space Museum at no charge. -
Jewish American Heritage Month
May 2, 2022
For Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the life of one Astronaut who stood out in a unique group of Astronauts. -
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 2, 2022
This year for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we want to boost some great NASA content. -
Catch these free Earth images…taken from space!
April 22, 2022
Imagine seeing 50 years’ worth of images of where you live. The Landsat mission has collected 50 years of images of our entire planet! -
Liftoff of Apollo 13!
April 11, 2022
Apollo 13 lifted off at 2:13 p.m. EDT on April 11, 1970. -
HISTORIC LIBERTY BELL 7 TO LAND AT PLANET COMICON KANSAS CITY FOR EXHIBIT
April 4, 2022
Planet Comicon KC 2022 is joining forces with the Cosmosphere to bring attendees something that has never happened before. -
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Bus Tour Needs to Visit the Cosmosphere
March 14, 2022
The Cosmosphere is worth the bus ride from anywhere – take off for the day with a Bus Tour Group to Hutchinson, Kansas! -
First & Last Steps: Celebrating Time and Space
February 28, 2022
Join us Friday, December 2, 2022, as the Cosmosphere celebrates its 60th birthday and honors the 50 year anniversary of Apollo 17 at the Meadowlark Building at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. -
New Youth Organization Camp at Cosmosphere
February 17, 2022
The list of youth organizations engineering a great summer at Cosmosphere is growing. -
Learn How an Invention from a Lakeside Town in Italy Energizes the STEM Education of Tomorrow
February 7, 2022
223 years ago, 5,123 miles away from Hutchinson, Kansas, a pioneering experimental physicist invented something that would become so vital to modern technology that without its power, cars, phones and laptops are called "dead." -
Explorer 1 Satellite Launch
January 31, 2022
On January 31, 1958, the United States finally became a competitor in the Space Race. -
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
December 8, 2021
Special holiday hours Dec. 17-Jan. 2 -
What is LaunchNext and more
December 1, 2021
The Cosmosphere attracts people from all over the world. It’s true! In 2019, 48 foreign countries were represented in the visitors to this great place. But what brings them here? -
49th Anniversary of Apollo 17: The Cosmosphere’s Cernan Statue
November 30, 2021
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60th Anniversary of Enos the Chimp
November 23, 2021
60 years ago this November, a chimp named Enos became the third hominid to orbit the earth, after Russians Yuri Gagarin and Gherman Titov achieved orbit earlier that same year. -
Giving Tuesday 2021 Will Support Cosmosphere Camp Scholarships!
November 16, 2021
On November 30, 2021, the Cosmosphere will participate in Giving Tuesday, an annual effort to emphasize philanthropy following Thanksgiving and a weekend focused on shopping. -
2021 Top 13 Best Holiday Space Gifts
October 29, 2021
Looking for that unique gift for the space lover or STEM-minded youth on your list? -
Purchase the Holiday Bundle in November to give the gift of Cosmosphere Camp!
October 25, 2021
A summer 2022 Cosmosphere Camp is the perfect experience for the science-minded or space-loving student on your list! -
Why Is October an Important Month for the Moonwatch?
October 25, 2021
October is a significant month in the story of the only watch flight-certified by NASA: the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional. -
Watch Out! Four Historic Timepieces On Display at the Cosmosphere
October 6, 2021
Plus – Rock Your Astronaut Style! Now through December 5, Cosmosphere is raffling off one brand-new OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, valued at $6,300. -
Launch of the Space Age
October 1, 2021
October 4th is the 64th Anniversary of the launch of Sputnik and the start of World Space Week 2021. -
Liftoff of Mercury-Atlas 8!
October 1, 2021
Liftoff of Mercury-Atlas 8! -
Space Artifact of the Month
October 1, 2021
Did you know that the Cosmosphere only displays about 7% of its total artifacts from our collection? Every month you're invited behind-the-scenes to learn about unique space artifacts not typically available to the public with Cosmosphere Space Arti-FACTS. -
Space Influencer Visits Cosmosphere
August 11, 2021
Camille Calibeo, aka The Galactic Gal, chose a visit to the Cosmosphere for her first travel excursion as Galactic Gal since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. -
So just how big IS the SpaceX Starship?
August 10, 2021
Starship, the massive new fully reusable launch vehicle designed by SpaceX, just finished a fit test at the company’s Boca Chica launch site in south Texas. -
What a cool wreck!
July 29, 2021
No one was hurt when the first major launch of the Mercury program, the Mercury-Atlas 1, ended in disaster on July 29, 1960. -
The Cola Wars Head to Space!
July 28, 2021
July 29, 1985, the Space Shuttle Challenger launched on the STS-51F mission, successfully completing an Abort to Orbit. -
A big piece of history … just hanging around.
July 28, 2021
The flown SR-71 Blackbird spy plane in our lobby reminds us of the epic engineering feats we build on as we look to the future of flight. -
We love you, Wally Funk.
July 19, 2021
Space travel is so new to us, as a species, that every crewed trip to space is historic. -
WHAT DO THE FIRST MOON LANDING, THE LIBERTY BELL 7 SPACECRAFT, AND PIONEERING SPACE-WOMAN WALLY FUNK ALL HAVE IN COMMON?
July 19, 2021
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Liberty Bell 7 Fun Facts
July 19, 2021
Join us in celebrating the 60th anniversary of Liberty Bell 7 with these Fun Facts about the Mercury spacecraft. -
60th Anniversary of Liberty Bell 7 Celebration!
June 23, 2021
Join us in celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Gus Grissom's Liberty Bell 7—along with the celebration of Gemini X and Apollo XI! -
The 100th Birthday of Cosmosphere Founder, Patty Carey
June 9, 2021
On June 9, 1921, Patricia Brooks was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. That baby girl was truly destined for the stars. -
Cosmosphere Kicks Off Summer
May 25, 2021
Launch your summer at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson with activities for all ages every day. -
Happy 70th Birthday to Sally Ride!
May 24, 2021
Happy birthday to Sally Ride (1951-2012) on what would have been her 70th birthday on May 26, 2021! -
The Super Flower Blood Moon Eclipse
May 21, 2021
In the early morning Wednesday, May 26, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the only total lunar eclipse of 2021. -
Liftoff of Apollo 10
May 17, 2021
10, 9, we have ignition sequence start, engines ON, 5, 4, 3, 2, all engines running, launch commit, liftoff. -
The Final Launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
May 12, 2021
The Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off for the 25th and final time on May 16, 2011. -
Cosmosphere Remembers Astronaut Michael Collins
April 28, 2021
Cosmosphere joins the Nation and the World in grieving the loss of an outstanding human–Astronaut Michael Collins. -
60th Anniversary of Freedom 7
April 27, 2021
On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to go into space. -
April 12 In Space History
April 12, 2021
On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to enter space and the first to orbit Earth. -
I’ll miss you, neighbor.
March 23, 2021
On March 19, I lost a good friend and America lost a hero. -
SPRING BREAK FUN FOR ALL AGES AT THE COSMOSPHERE
March 4, 2021
Spring break 2021 may prove to be one of the most welcome spring breaks in recent history! -
Women’s History Month
March 1, 2021
In celebration of Women's History Month, Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative is encouraging everyone to share about the inspirational and innovative women in our world – Women Making Change. -
MARS 2020 PERSEVERANCE LANDING AND Q&A
February 11, 2021
Join the Cosmosphere on Thursday, February 18 at 2:20 pm CST as Michael Staab, Cosmosphere Camp alumnus and current Fault Management Systems Principal Engineer for the Lunar Lander and Lunar Gateway programs at Northrop Grumman, joins us for a virtual watch party leading up to the live landing of the next Mars rover: Perseverance. -
To the Stars Kansas: A Kansas Day Celebration
January 22, 2021
Kansas Day is Friday, January 29, but we can't fit everything we love about this Ad Astra Per Aspera State into just one day! -
Preparing for a Lightning Strike: Cosmosphere Apollo Q&A
January 5, 2021
In October 2020, as part of the Cosmosphere’s Onward and Upward virtual broadcast, I had the honor of sitting down with the great Gerry Griffin, former director of NASA's Johnson Space Center and legendary flight controller in Mission Control. -
The Great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter
December 17, 2020
Jupiter and Saturn will align on December 21, 2020 (coincidentally the Winter Solstice) to create a Great Conjunction of 2020. Jupiter and Saturn have not been this closely aligned at night since March 4, 1226. -
Temporary Parking Changes at the Cosmosphere
December 17, 2020
The State of Kansas will use a portion of Cosmosphere’s parking lot south of 11th Street to conduct drive through COVID Testing beginning December 18. -
Holiday Desserts
December 10, 2020
Please enjoy these holiday recipes from a few friends of the Cosmosphere. -
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
December 8, 2020
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at the Cosmosphere! -
We’re Over the Moon for Our Healthcare Workers!
December 4, 2020
To show our gratitude, now through January 3, 2021, healthcare workers and their families are invited to BOGO! -
Cosmosphere Camp Special Offers
November 24, 2020
Don't miss these Cosmosphere Camp Special Offers! -
Top 13 SPACEY Holiday Gifts
November 24, 2020
Looking for that unique gift for the space lover or curious youth on your list? Check out our Top 13 SPACEY Holiday Gifts available in the Cosmosphere Gift Store – in-store or online. -
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 23, 2020
We are closed Thanksgiving day, but we'll be open normal business hours on Friday. -
BLAST OFF With Crew-1 This Weekend!
November 13, 2020
SpaceX and NASA to Launch Crew-1 Mission -
Give a Very Spacey Christmas!
November 11, 2020
Give the gift of: experiences, memberships, camp and more! -
Virtual Book Talk: How We Got to the Moon
November 3, 2020
John Rocco discusses his new book "How We Got to the Moon" in a virtual book discussion. -
Museum Store Sunday
November 3, 2020
On Sunday, November 29, 2020, for the fourth consecutive year, more than 1,400 museum stores representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 22 countries, and five continents will offer inspired shopping at museums and cultural institutions during Museum Store Sunday. -
Veterans Day Salute
October 29, 2020
The Cosmosphere proudly supports the men and women of the armed forces. -
Rare Halloween Blue Moon for 2020
October 20, 2020
There’s no better way to celebrate spooky ghouls, goblins and werewolves on Halloween than under the veil of a ghostly full Moon! -
Onward & Upward: A Virtual Telethon and Auction
October 9, 2020
Help support the Cosmosphere as we move Onward and Upward! -
Mars 2020 Perseverance Launch and Q&A
July 24, 2020
Join the Cosmosphere on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 am CDT as Michael Staab, Cosmosphere Camp alumnus and current Fault Management Systems Principal Engineer for the Lunar Lander and Lunar Gateway programs at Northrop Grumman, joins us for a virtual event leading up to the live launch of the next Mars rover: Perseverance. -
Back to School Splashdown
July 23, 2020
Celebrate the end of summer and take advantage of the “Back-to-School Splashdown” discount at the Cosmosphere! -
Liberty Bell 7: The Peril and Promise of Space Exploration
July 17, 2020
On July 21, 1961, with a 15-minute suborbital flight of the Mercury spacecraft Liberty Bell 7, Gus Grissom became the second American in space.