Apollo Command Module Trainer

The Apollo Command Module simulator that has been in the Cosmosphere's Education department, and used for FATP and other camps, was dismantled today and taken to Space Works for a project.

Restoration and Collections folks were poring over the details before it left the building.



This was a trainer used by NASA, and a few parts of it are things that could have been taken out of the trainer, and put on to a mission. One of those parts was the three seats.



Another are these struts. The four on the right are "real" and the two on the left are ones fabricated here.



Camp is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer with a big reunion and many of the former campers who will be returning to the Cosmosphere July 30-Aug. 1 for the reunion will remember this trainer. Needless to say, it looked a little different today.










If you, or someone you know, is a former camper, please send your updated contact information to patsyt@cosmo.org so we can send you details about the reunion this summer.

Extreme at Carey IMAX Dome Theatre at Cosmosphere

The IMAX Movie, “Extreme,” is opening at the Cosmosphere on Friday, January 15. It captures some of the best athletes in the world as they challenge the most intimidating forces of nature. It plays every day in the Cosmosphere’s Carey Imax Dome Theatre at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with additional showings on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.

Skiing on perilous mountain peaks; snowboarding through untouched powder fields; climbing up frozen waterfalls; scaling magnificent red-rock spires; surfing some of the largest waves ever; and windsurfing behind El Nino strength winds, this film takes audiences on an unimaginable adventure.

Extreme shares firsthand an understanding of those who have made their passion a lifestyle and provides a unique glimpse into the relationship between nature and humanity - of an earth at its most surreal and athletes who continuously strive to feel her magnanimous, powerful shapes. Powerful music and heartfelt narration by the athletes themselves complement once-in-a-lifetime footage to put the audience on the edge of their seats.

Vikings: Journey to New Worlds at Carey IMAX Dome Theatre

Never before seen at the Cosmosphere, "Vikings: Journey to New Worlds" is now playing at the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater. It shows Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Cosmosphere member showings are scheduled for January 22, 23 and 24.

While popular and intriguing characters in world history, Vikings are also greatly misunderstood. "Vikings: Journey to New Worlds" provides a comprehensive portrait of the Vikings, exploring their historical and cultural impact as well as their technological and scientific achievements, and in the process takes audiences on a cinematic adventure through the lands they settled and explored.

The dawn of the Viking Age was a raid on an English monastery in the year 793 A.D. that established their reputation as marauding heathens from the North. But it was shipbuilding skills that truly set the Vikings apart.

Propelled by their wondrous ships, the Vikings stormed across Europe and the North Atlantic. Following the North Atlantic Sagas, we sail with Erik the Red from Iceland to Greenland and then with his son, Leif Eriksson, to North America, where he landed 500 years before Columbus.

Creative Folding

Each month folks who come to the Cosmosphere can enter a drawing for some cool prize. Last month's drawing included some creative folding. If we had a prize for folding, these would definitely be winners.

Free Train Display at Cosmosphere today by Wichita Toy Train Club

The Wichita Toy Train Club is at the Cosmophere today with a free display. They are setting up to run trains from noon to 6 this afternoon. It's going to be very cool, as you can see from this photo of set up earlier this morning.

Come to the Cosmosphere and join in this holiday tradition. It's free. You can't beat that!

Cosmosphere featured on AT&T Real Yellow Pages

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is featured on the cover of the new AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory serving the Hutchinson area. The cover was unveiled during a press conference Wed., Dec. 9, at 2 p.m., in the Discovery Room at the Cosmosphere.
 
"We're thrilled the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is featured on the new directory cover," said Marisa Honomichl, vice president for marketing and development at the Cosmosphere. "This means that for the next year, this wonderful facility with all it has to offer will be front and center anytime someone uses a directory, reminding residents and visitors about the museum and planetarium."
 
More than 58,000 copies of the directory have been produced for distribution in the Hutchinson area this year.
 
"We are proud to feature the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center on the cover of our new AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory for the Hutchinson area," said Patsy Weiser, area market manager, AT&T Advertising Solutions. "We continually work to make our directory covers special on the outside, and tailor the community information inside our directories to best meet the needs of local residents and businesses."
 
The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is one of the most comprehensive space museums in the world and one of the leading educational tourist attractions in the United States. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patrons' knowledge of space exploration.

 

Educating people from around the globe, the Cosmosphere boasts the Hall of Space museum, one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world; the Justice Planetarium, a dome-shaped classroom where attendees learn about astronomy; Dr. Goddard's Lab, a live demonstration of early rocket technology; and the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, the 12th IMAX® theater built in the world.

 

The Cosmosphere is well known for its camp programs, offering students an opportunity to train like astronauts. Camps for students from second grade on up are offered. The Cosmosphere education programs focus on building leadership skills, encouraging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, and creative thinking.

 

For more information visit www.cosmo.org. 

Teachers' Night Out Big Success

The Fifth Annual Teachers' Night Out at the Cosmosphere was a huge success. About 500 teachers from all over the state came to the event. More than 25 vendors had displays, there was free food and drink, and presentations throughout the evening.









Mark your calendar for November 12, 2010!

Teachers' Night Out at the Cosmosphere

The Cosmosphere is inviting all teachers - all subjects and grade levels (including college!) - to Teachers' Night Out on November 20 at the Cosmosphere. We'll start at 4 p.m. and go until about 9:30. Free food and adult beverages, vendors, presentations, free movies in the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, and drawings all night. Make your reservations with Laurie at laurieg@cosmo.org.

Help us spread the word by printing a flyer like you see below and posting it at your school.

Colorado Pilots Association Visits Cosmosphere

The Colorado Pilots Association visited the Cosmosphere recently and wrote a great piece about their visit here and to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Check out their photos and story at http://www.flyingontop.com/cosmo.htm.

If it makes you want to experience your own adventure, call Laurie Givan at the Cosmosphere 620-662-2305, ext. 323.

Gong Bath on October 24 at Cosmosphere

On Saturday, October 24, “the gong lady” from Wichita, deBorah Gray, will offer a gong bath at the Cosmosphere. She uses the gongs in her massage therapy business and travels with them only a couple of times a year. This is the first time a gong bath has been offered in Hutchinson. It will be from 4-6 p.m. Arrive by 3:30 for the gong bath.

She will be bringing a dozen gongs, ranging in size from 36 inches to 22 inches. Each gong is embellished with the glyph of the planet who’s orbital frequency it represents. They are played by being lightly touched with a felt hammer.

The gongs are from Germany, and tuned to planetary frequencies. She will play for more than an hour. You’ll be able to hear – and feel – the vibrations as they build on each other. You’re invited to bring something to lie on, a pillow, and a blanket for warmth, and experience a gong bath.

In some cultures, gongs were an essential part of daily living, and are still used in certain areas. The making of gongs was veiled in secrecy. The Gong Bath is used throughout Europe as a form of meditation to help the mind focus and relax. Come enjoy this unique experience for yourself at the Cosmosphere!

The cost is $25 per person and space is limited. Contact the Cosmosphere at 620-662-2305 to reserve your spot.

Former SR-71 Pilot Buz Carpenter Spoke to Packed Crowds

Former SR-71 pilot, "Buz" Carpenter, who flew the “Blackbird” in the Cosmosphere’s lobby, spoke to packed crowds on September 5 and 6. He did three public presentations, visiting with people and signing autographs afterwards. He also provided a training for Cosmosphere volunteers.

More than 500 people came to hear his stories about the famous plane. He shared photographs and gave people an insider’s perspective on the “Blackbird.”

Only 32 Blackbirds were ever made, and they were in service from 1964-1998. Despite many attempts to shoot them down, none of the planes were lost due to enemy fire. However, 12 of them were destroyed in accidents. The plane was designed to be one of the first planes not detectable by radar. Unfortunately, radar technology was advancing at a rate that outpaced that particular design feature.

The great defensive ability of the plane was its high speed and altitude. Standard evasive action was just to accelerate, which made it almost invulnerable to the attack technologies of the time. The top speed of the plane was mach 3.3 (2,200 miles/hour or 36 miles/minute). In 1990, during a speed test, an SR-71 flew from LA to Dulles Airport in 64 minutes. They flew faster than a bullet from a standard 30.06 hunting rifle.




The SR-71 was American's first "stealth" plane, and was the last one designed with a slide rule. At cruising speeds, the aircraft skin reached average temperatures of about 600F. This caused the aircraft to grow 3-4 inches in length and 1-2 inches in width. The engine area was 3400F, with the coolest parts of the plane being about 450F. The 2.0 inch thick laminated quartz glass pilot window was 620F.

Pilots wore pressure suits derived from the Gemini designs through the mid 70s. The replacement pressure suit in the late 70s served as the initial Space Shuttle suits for test flights.

The Blackbird generally leveled off around 75,000 feet, and as fuel burned off would climb up around 82-85,000 feet. At 80,000 feet, you can see the curvature of the Earth about 350 miles in all directions.

Carpenter accrued 777 hours flying SR-71 planes. He flew Blackbirds as an aircraft commander and later as an instructor pilot, with over 60 operational missions. He also flew in the C-141, RF-4C, and T-38 planes, flying 150 combat hours in Vietnam. He worked in the Pentagon and served as Wing commander at Ramstein Air Base in German during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

He retired as a Colonel after serving as the 2nd Air Force Vice Commander, responsible for all the USAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flying assets. He is currently a docent for the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, Udvar Hazy Center.

Cosmosphere Participates in Smithsonian Museum Day on September 26

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is participating in the fifth annual Smithsonian Museum Day on Saturday, September 26, 2009. Visitors with a Smithsonian pass will be admitted free to the museum that day. The Cosmosphere is the only Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Kansas.

A celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge, Museum Day reflects the spirit of Smithsonian magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution's Washington, DC-based properties. Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers
and smithsonian.com visitors at museums and cultural institutions nationwide.

Cosmosphere President and CEO, Chris Orwoll, says, "The Cosmosphere has been proud to work closely with the Smithsonian Institution and its National Air and Space Museum for over two decades now. This year, as we do every year, we look forward to welcoming participants in Museum Day to the Cosmosphere. This is a great event that encourages people all over the country to visit their local museums and appreciate our rich cultural heritage."

Last year, about 200,000 people attended Museum Day, with all 50 states plus Puerto Rico represented by over 900 participating museums, including 84 Smithsonian affiliate museums. This year, the magazine expects to attract over 1,000 museums. Twenty-five museums in Kansas have already agreed to participate.

Visitors can download Museum Day Admission cards at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Attendees must present the Museum Day Admission Card to gain free entry to participating institutions. Each card provides museum access for two people, and one admission card is permitted per household. Listings and links to participating museums can also be found at the link above.

Founded in 1970 with the launch of Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian media—comprising Smithsonian magazine, Air & Space, goSmithsonian, Smithsonian Publishing Digital Network, Smithsonian Books and advertising for Smithsonian Channel—allows the intellectually curious to indulge and engage their passions for history, the arts, science, the natural world, culture and travel. Smithsonian Media's flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, has a circulation of more than two million. This multimedia network is also affiliated with the world's most visited museum and research complexes at the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, visit www.smithsonian.com, and www.gosmithsonian.com.

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patrons' knowledge of space exploration. Educating people from around the globe, the Cosmosphere boasts the Hall of Space museum, one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world; the Justice Planetarium, a dome-shaped classroom where attendees learn about astronomy; Dr. Goddard's Lab, a live demonstration of early rocket technology; the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, the 12^th IMAX® theater built in the world; and summer astronaut training camps. For more information visit www.cosmo.org.

Forces of Nature at Carey IMAX® Dome Theater

"Forces of Nature" is playing in the Cosmosphere's Carey IMAX® Dome Theater. The movie, which brings the power of earthquakes, volcanoes and tornadoes to the giant screen, took ten years to film. It is showing every day at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with additional showings at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Also showing in the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater is "Greece: Secrets of the Past."

"Forces of Nature" is narrated by Kevin Bacon, and captures the volatility of natural disasters on Earth, while showcasing three scientists who study them. Their hope is to understand the origins and behaviors of these events to improve our odds of surviving them.

Director George Casey said, "Mother Nature is the most temperamental screen diva a director can work with, and our team was at her mercy. Getting a tornado on film – let alone on 70 mm film – is nearly impossible. It's sort of the 'holy grail' of large-format filmmaking. In the end we got several twisters on camera, as well as spectacular eruptions of the volcano on Montserrat Island. Being in the right place at the right time was critical, and it is also why a project like this was more than ten years in the making. You simply can't turn to a storm and yell, 'And… action!' and get the shot you want."

Some of these natural phenomena are more common than we like to think, and more destructive than we realize. For example, there are nearly a half-million earthquakes each year, and only four states – Florida, Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin – had no detectable earthquakes between 1975 and 1995. Alaska is the most seismically active state overall. The largest quake in recorded history shook Chile in 1960 with a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale.

The most destructive tornado on record was in 1925. It went through three U.S. states, destroying four towns and taking 695 lives. The Hallam, Neb., tornado of May 22, 2004 peaked at a width of 2 ½ miles, making it the widest ever recorded. Despite better storm warnings, tornadoes still kill an average of 60 people a year in the United States.

Alaska was the site of the largest volcanic eruption in modern times. In June of 1912, at Novarupta, 3.6 cubic miles of magma exploded from the earth – 30 times the molten material that erupted from Mount St. Helens in 1980.

"Forces of Nature" and "Greece: Secrets of the Past" are both showing each day at the Cosmosphere. Call 800-397-0330 for show times or check www.cosmo.org.

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patrons' knowledge of space exploration. Educating people from around the globe, the Cosmosphere boasts the Hall of Space museum, one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world; the Justice Planetarium, a dome-shaped classroom where attendees learn about astronomy; Dr. Goddard's Lab, a live demonstration of early rocket technology; the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, the 12^th IMAX® theater built in the world; and summer astronaut training camps. For more information visit www.cosmo.org.

 

Mythology Teacher Workshop

Hello, this is Demetree Gaines at the Cosmosphere. Since I have taken over the duties of the teacher workshops hear at the Cosmosphere I have been asked by many teachers about Mythology and when could they expect a workshop about it. I didn't feel like I knew enough about mythology to create a full workshop about the subject, so I enlisted the help of my office mate and local Astronomy expert, Brad Nuest. Together we have come up with a workshop so huge, so new, so fresh and exciting that we had to make it an overnight.

For the first time at the Cosmosphere, a teacher workshop will be an overnight adventure. We will offer continuing education credit from Friends and Emporia Universities, classroom materials, power points and activities that will keep us busy all night.

Having this workshop in the evening gives us a chance to do things that we normally don't have time for during a teacher workshop. One thing I'm excited about is the Make-it & Take-it activity. We will make a rocket launcher to go along with paper rockets. Paper rockets are really popular and the NASA rocket guide has wonderful lesson plans for them. I wish I could be in the classroom when you guys unveil some these things, because it is going to be awesome.

The second activity that I just have to mention is the Star Observation. We do these during our camps but this is the first time we've done it during a teacher's workshop. With the use of a telescope we will focus on the Moon, Jupiter and the constellations Sagittarius and Capricorn, which is a nice segue into Astronomy and Astrology, the other part of the workshop.

Because it's an overnight you will need to bring all the things that you need to function. When you sign-up you will get a list of things that you should and can bring. I will provide some additional evening activities because not everyone will be ready to bed down after the activities are done for the day. But for those of you who do want to rest there will be a separate area, so you can sleep while the other trouble makers have their run of the building.

I could fill up pages of why you should come and bring a friend. However, if you need one more, here it is. Were taking a completely different approach this time, normally we have pizza for dinner or order something from somewhere else. But this time you are getting a home cooked meal, made from scratch with love. And that's all I have to say about that.

So if you are interested, come and check it out. You can contact Laurie Given here at the Cosmosphere to register. (620-662-2305 ext. 323) Participants must register before or by September 28You will not be disappointed. Come and discover how fun our workshops can be.

SR-71 Blackbird Pilot at Cosmosphere This Weekend – Free Presentations

Visitors to the Cosmosphere are greeted by an SR-71 "Blackbird" hanging overhead in the lobby. On September 5 and 6, former SR-71 pilot, "Buz" Carpenter will be at the Cosmosphere to talk about the famous plane. Carpenter flew the Blackbird now housed at the Cosmosphere.

On Saturday, September 5 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday, September 6 at 2 p.m., Carpenter will offer a presentation that's free and open to the public, during which he will discuss the Blackbird and his experiences as a pilot. After Sunday's presentation at the Cosmosphere, Carpenter will act as docent, stationing himself near the SR-71 to talk with people about the plane and its features.



Carpenter accrued 777 hours flying SR-71 planes, including 961, which resides at the Cosmosphere. He flew Blackbirds as an aircraft commander and later as an instructor pilot, with over 60 operational missions. He also flew in the C-141, RF-4C, and T-38 planes, flying 150 combat hours in Vietnam. He worked in the Pentagon and served as Wing commander at Ramstein Air Base in German during OperationsDesert Shield and Desert Storm.

He retired as a Colonel after serving as the 2nd Air Force Vice Commander, responsible for all the USAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flying assets. He is currently a docent for the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.

Only 32 Blackbirds were ever made, and they were in service from 1964-1998. Despite over 4,000 attempts to shoot them down, none of the planes were lost due to enemy fire. However, 12 of them were destroyed in accidents.

The plane was designed to be one of the first planes not detectable by radar. Unfortunately, radar technology was advancing at a rate that outpaced that particular design feature.



The great defensive ability of the plane was its high speed and altitude. Standard evasive action was just to accelerate, which made it almost invulnerable to the attack technologies of the time.

The top speed of the plane was mach 3.3 (2,200 miles/hour or 26 miles/minute). In 1990, during a speed test, an SR-71 flew from LA to Dulles Airport in 64 minutes. They flew faster than a bullet from a standard 30.06 hunting rifle.

The SR-71 was American's first "stealth" plane, and was the last one designed with a slide rule. At cruising speeds, the aircraft skin reached average temperatures of about 600F. This caused the aircraft to grow 3-4 inches in length and 1-2 inches in width. The engine area was 3200F, with the coolest parts of the plane being about 450F. The 2.5 inch thick laminated quartz glass pilot window was 620F.



Pilots wore pressure suits derived from the Gemini designs through the mid 70s. The replacement pressure suit in the late 70s served as the initial Space Shuttle suits for test flights.

The Blackbird generally leveled off around 75,000 feet, and as fuel burned off would climb up around 82-85,000 feet. At 80,000 feet, you can see the curvature of the Earth about 500 miles in all directions.

Crew of Discovery’s Maiden Flight at Cosmosphere

Three of the astronauts from the Shuttle Discovery's maiden voyage were at the Cosmosphere on Saturday, Aug. 22, to commemorate its 25 year anniversary.



Charlie Walker, Hank Hartsfield and Steve Hawley spoke to a large group about the mission and the craft. They shared stories of what was happening behind the scenes too, including how the mission patch was designed.

After the speech they signed autographs and met the public before attending a private reception for premium members only.

Hank Hartsfield meets members.

Steve Hawley shares a laugh with Cosmosphere members.

Charlie Walker (right) visits with Cosmosphere CEO Chris Orwoll and family.

Starry Night on August 21

August 21 was the Cosmosphere's Starry Night party. It may well have been the First Annual Starry Night event because it was really cool.

About 900 people came to enjoy the festivities, which included a lengthy list of things. There were rockets, liquid oxygen ice cream, a moon walk, presentations and start gazing.



Thank you to our sponsors – Hutchinson Credit Union, YP of Reno County and Radio Kansas.



Martin Ratcliffe, a contributing editor to Astronomy magazine spoke to the crowd about what they could see in the night sky. We’re so very appreciative of the astronomy experts who came out and brought their telescopes to share with folks.



Kids could build and launch air rockets. That was a popular spot.



There were also rocket demonstrations. There must have been 60 kids running after the rockets as they were setting them off.



People lined up at the various telescopes after dark to get an up-close view of the night sky. It was a great time to see Jupiter.



Thanks to everyone for coming out. It seemed everyone was having fun.

Coffee at the Cosmo - How Pop Culture was Affected by Space Exploration

Coffee at the Cosmo on Thursday, August 20, will be about how Pop Culture was affected by the space program. The presentation will be at 9 a.m. at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center and is free and open to the public. Coffee and pastries will be served.

Cosmosphere CEO and Director Chris Orwoll will discuss America and the world's fascination with space travel, the space program and the eventual "spin-offs" with the imaginative efforts of the science fiction community and the entertainment that was created as a result.

Here are just a few of the artifacts you'll see:

- Lunchboxes from 1950's to recent
- Tang related promotional products surrounding the drink's use on space missions
- Soviet-era Soyuz chess set
- Tin toys made in Japan to commemorate Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo
- Apollo commemorative dog toys
- G.I. Joe and Barbie space paraphernalia


Those attending will have an opportunity for a close-up look at the artifacts, and time to ask questions.

Coffee at the Cosmo is every Third Thursday at 9 a.m., and is free to the public. If you can't attend in person this month, it will be online live at www.cosmo.org/webcast.htm.

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patrons' knowledge of space exploration. Educating people from around the globe, the Cosmosphere boasts the Hall of Space museum, one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world; the Justice Planetarium, a dome-shaped classroom where attendees learn about astronomy; Dr. Goddard's Lab, a live demonstration of early rocket technology; the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, the 12th IMAX® theater built in the world; and summer astronaut training camps. For more information visit www.cosmo.org.

Discovery Crew from Maiden Flight at Cosmosphere on August 22

On August 22, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is celebrating the 25th anniversary of STS-41-D, the first mission for the space shuttle Discovery, which is the oldest orbiter in NASA’s fleet. To honor this milestone, most of the surviving astronauts from that mission are scheduled to be at the Cosmosphere for a roundtable discussion at 2 p.m. that afternoon including Mission Specialist Steven Hawley, Kansas native and current professor of Astronomy and Physics at the University of Kansas, Payload Specialist Charles Walker, currently with McDonnell Douglas, Commander Henry Hartsfield Jr. and Pilot Michael Coats, Director of Johnson Space Center. It is free and open to the public. Following the presentation they will sign autographs from 3 – 4:30, and then attend a reception with Cosmosphere Premium members at 5 p.m. Of note, the attendance of Michael Coats is dependent upon shuttle launch operations based on his responsibilities as Director of Johnson Space Center

The launch of Discovery on August 30, 1984, was the 12th shuttle mission. Discovery was the third orbiter built and the lightest one because of the thermal blanket material used. The launch had been delayed for two months, causing cancellation of another mission scheduled after it. The payload from that mission was included on the STS-41-D mission, bringing the cargo weight up to 47,000 pounds, a shuttle record at that time.

The six-person flight crew consisted of Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., Commander, making his second mission; Pilot Michael L. Coats; three Mission Specialists: — Judith A. Resnik, Richard M. “Mike” Mullane and Steven A. Hawley; and a Payload Specialist, Charles D. Walker, an employee of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Walker was the first commercially-sponsored Payload Specialist to fly aboard the shuttle.

The primary cargo was three communications satellites, including the first large communications satellite designed specifically to be deployed from the space shuttle. All three satellites were deployed successfully and became operational.
Another payload was a solar array carrying a number of different types of experimental solar cells. It was extended to its full height several times - the largest structure ever extended from a manned spacecraft. It demonstrated the feasibility of using large lightweight solar arrays in the future, including at the space station.

The STS-41-D mission also included the first use of the IMAX® camera in space. Highlights of the mission were used in the wildly popular movie The Dream is Alive. The mission lasted 6 days, 56 minutes, returning on September 5, having traveled 2.21 million miles.

Greece: Secrets of the Past Opens at IMAX on Aug. 14

The Cosmosphere is premiering a new IMAX film on August 14. "Greece: Secrets of the Past" is a sweeping journey back in time to discover the buried secrets of one of the world's most enlightened societies – Ancient Greece. For 100 years, from 500 BC to 400 BC, Greece was the center of human thought and creativity, and laid the foundations for the way we live today.

"Greece: Secrets of the Past" will show at 1 and 3 p.m. every day, with a morning showing at 11 Monday through Saturday and later showings at 5 and 7 on Friday and Saturday nights. The film's narrator is Greek-American Nia Vardalos, writer and star of the hit, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," for which she received an Oscar nomination.

At the center of the film is Dr. Christos Doumas, an impassioned Greek archeologist who is working feverishly to piece together the puzzle of ancient Greece and better understand its influence on life today. He weaves a compelling story about how archeology has unearthed the ways in which the early Greek's rapid progress in science, politics, philosophy, sports and art resulted in perhaps the greatest explosion in human advancement ever seen.

Ancient Greece gave us the concept of democracy itself, which evolved in fifth century Athens. The Greeks also created the Olympic games, the beginnings of modern theatre and entertainment, as well as the study of mathematics, physics, architecture, biology, zoology, politics and ethics.

"Because ancient Greece is where many of our own ideas about democracy, human achievement and freedom were first born, it is more important to us than ever," says producer/director Greg MacGillivray, an Academy Award nominated film maker. "Our film is like a form of time travel – we go back to figure out what happened and why. Audiences will have the change to explore archeological ruins, sift through volcanic sands, and examine thought-provoking legends for clues to how the Greeks lives and perishes. Most of all, I hope the film leaves audiences with a sense of the profound lessons the classical Greeks left behind for today's world."

"Greece: Secrets of the Past" is a modern detective story and an archeological journey into the distant past. It offers a new perspective on an age of universal importance to us all.