40th Anniversary of Apollo 13 at Cosmosphere

Saturday was the big day the Cosmosphere has been preparing for - the 40th Anniversary of the day Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert returned to Earth from their Apollo 13 mission. The Cosmosphere hosted a reunion of 15 people involved with Apollo 13, and other astronauts who wanted to honor them.



The two surviving astronauts, Lovell (left) and Haise, peered inside Odyssesy, the Apollo 13 Command Module housed at the Cosmosphere. It was the first time Haise had seen it since he got out of it in 1970.

Earlier in the day, eight mission controllers from Apollo 13, along with pad leader Guenter Wendt and author Andrew Chaikin, participated in a panel discussion. It was amazing to hear history from those who lived it.



Left to right: Joe Kerwin, Gene Kranz, Gerry Griffin, Sy Liebergot, Andrew Chaikin, Milt Windler, Jack Lousma, Ed Fendell, Jerry Bostick and Guenter Wendt.

Saturday kicked off with a rocket launch, where the Bednarczyk family from the Kansas City area got to meet Flight Director Milt Windler. That's Dan and Collette, their son, Cole, and daughter, Piper.



Thanks to everyone who came to honor these heroes.

Free Stargazing Event April 23

The Cosmosphere is participating in HutchGEO month, to Get Everyone Outside this month. On Friday, April 23, join the Cosmosphere for a free star gazing event, weather permitting. Meet in the Cosmosphere parking lot on the south east corner of 11th and Plum at 8:30 p.m. You’ll be able to see the night sky through professional quality telescopes, with the guidance of Cosmosphere staff. It’s free and open to the public.

Venus will be visible in the south west. It will be the brightest object in the night sky after the moon. Mars will also be visible, high in the south. There’s also a good chance of spotting meteors that night because the Lyrid Meteor Shower will be finishing.

The Cosmosphere hosts a number of special events throughout the year that are free and open to the public. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the night sky from a Cosmosphere expert.

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to Honoring the Past and Inspiring the Future 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 attendants learn about astronomy; Dr. Goddard’s Lab, a live demonstration of early rocket technology; the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, one of the first ones built in the world; and a multitude of special programs, including camps.

The SR-71 Blackbird Gets a Dusting

When you walk in the door at the Cosmosphere, the SR-71 Blackbird is hanging overhead. Like anything else, it occasionally requires a little cleaning. This afternoon was the time.



Dante, Dustin and Bill were making everything spic and span for this weekend's Apollo 13 celebration.





It was America's first "stealth" plane, although its greatest defensive technique was its speed - literally faster than a speeding bullet.





Bill also worked on the T-38 to get it ready for this weekend.

Coffee At the Cosmo - April

Coffee at the Cosmo on Thursday, April 15, is entitled, “You Rock My World:” Lunar Sample Collection and Transfer. It is at 9 a.m. at the Cosmosphere and is free and open to the public.

The Hall of Space Museum at the Cosmosphere displays a moon rock from Apollo 11, the first mission when man walked on the moon. Few rocks from that mission are available for viewing around the world.

Coffee at the Cosmo is an ongoing series of free presentations at the Cosmosphere. It’s the third Thursday of every month at 9 a.m. and is always free. Enjoy coffee and pastries, meet new friends, and learn something new.

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, one of the first ones built in the world; and summer astronaut training camps. For more information visit www.cosmo.org.

Hubble at Cosmosphere's Carey IMAX® Dome Theater

For nearly 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has dazzled us with unprecedented views of the cosmos—from the splendor of our celestial neighborhood to galaxies billions of light years away. Now “Hubble,” the movie, is at the Cosmosphere’s Carey IMAX® Dome Theater. The Cosmosphere is the only place in Kansas where you can see “Hubble.”

Audiences will blast off alongside the Atlantis STS-125 crew, witness up-close some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed, and experience firsthand Hubble’s awe-inspiring imagery, from the heart of the Orion Nebula and our Milky Way to the edge of the observable universe. Recounting the amazing journey of the most important scientific instrument since Galileo’s original telescope, Hubble will immerse moviegoers in the great wonders and astounding beauty of our universe.

"It’s been said that The IMAX Experience® is the next best thing to being in space, and with IMAX, the audience really is there,” said Producer/Director Toni Myers. “Fifteen years ago we made a film about space exploration that included Hubble, when it started sending back the first images. Today, we have Hubble’s entire phenomenal legacy of data to explore. With IMAX, we can transport people to galaxies that are 13 billion light years away—back to the edge of time. Real star travel is here at last.”

Through the power of IMAX, Hubble will enable moviegoers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves.

Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble is rated G and is 43 minutes long.

Apollo 13 Mission Control Event at Cosmosphere

APOLLO 13 MISSION CONTROL LIVE PRESENTATION AT THE HUTCHINSON SPORTS ARENA
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 ­ 10:00 A.M.

Apollo 13 Mission Control staff including Flight Directors Gene Kranz, Milton (Milt) Windler, Gerry Griffin, Ed Fendell (INST/COMM), Jerry Bostick (FIDO), Sy Liebergot (CSM/EECOM), Astronaut CapComs Jack Lousma and Joe Kerwin, and Guenter Wendt (Pad Leader) will speak in Hutchinson, Kan., on April 17. Part of the Cosmosphere's "Honoring the Mission" program to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the famed Apollo 13 mission, they will tell the story as only they can. The discussion will be moderated by space journalist, Andrew Chaikin.

It's rare to have to an opportunity to hear history directly from those who experienced it. The ingenuity of these men saved the lives of the astronauts and returned them safely to Earth after a mid-flight explosion on their way to the Moon.

Don't miss this chance. Tickets are only $5 for adults and $2 for children under 13.
Call the Cosmosphere at 662.2305 or 800.397.0330 to order your tickets now.

This is just one of the events planned for Friday and Saturday.

"APOLLO 13" ­ THE MOVIE
FRIDAY, APRIL 16 ­ 4:00 P.M.
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 ­ 11:00 A.M. & 1:00 P.M.

The Cosmosphere's anniversary celebration will begin April 16 with showings of Ron Howard's Oscar-winning movie Apollo 13 Friday and Saturday in the Carey IMAX Dome Theater at the Cosmosphere. Tickets are $9.50/Adults, $9.00/Children (plus tax)


"THE WONDER OF IT ALL"
FRIDAY, APRIL 16 ­ 7:00 P.M.

Join us Friday in the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater for a viewing of "The Wonder of It All," a documentary by Jeff Roth detailing the manned spaceflight program from the early missions through the Apollo era. Mr. Roth will answer questions afterward. Tickets are $6.00



FREE SATURN V ROCKET LAUNCH
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 ­ 9:00 A.M.

Relive the liftoff of Apollo 13 as you watch the launch of a scale model of the Saturn V and hear the actual audio footage of pre- and post-launching activities. Free event (weather permitting) at Gowans Stadium.

Apollo 13 Command Module

Part of the glass protecting the Apollo 13 Command Module was removed today so NBC can get some footage.

While it was down, the guys from the Cosmosphere's restoration department, Spaceworks, took a close look. They're building a replica for another museum and took this opportunity for a peek.



Obviously, when the glass is down, the public can't get close to it. Collections people oversee the whole process. After all, it's a one of a kind artifact.

James Oberg a Hit During Coffee at the Cosmo

James Oberg spoke to a record crowd during Coffee at the Cosmo on March 18. Oberg is the NBC News Space Consultant and formerly worked with NASA. He has written 12 books and more than 2000 articles about space.

The next Coffee at the Cosmo is April 15 at 9 a.m. and it's "You Rock My World: Lunar Sample Collection and Transfer." Coffee and pastries are served, and the event is all free.

FATP 25th Anniversary at the Cosmosphere July 2010

FATP 25th Anniversary Camp Reunion

July 30 - August 1, 2010

It was 1985 when FATP first started. Celebrate 25 years at the Cosmosphere this summer!

Register online at http://www.cosmo.org/25fatp/.

You’ll get to reconnect with friends from your camp and meet others who’ve shared this experience. The weekend has opportunities for simulators, rockets, reminiscing and making new memories.

Everyone will have the chance to visit the Cosmosphere, see shows, launch rockets, and relive the experience of camp at whatever level you want. You can tailor the experience to suit yourself!

A limited number of people will be able to do a one-day camp that will include rotations on all the simulators and a visit to Spaceworks, our space artifact restoration and replication facility.



THE CAMP PACKAGE

Friday night meet and greet and a mini-camp on Saturday with a full set of rotations ending with a mission and including your photo, shows, and special events for reunion goers. A behind the scenes tour of the Cosmosphere Collection and a visit to Spaceworks. (The camp, and visit to Spaceworks, are only available through this package.) Sunday morning rocket launch with continental breakfast onsite. (Lodging and travel not included)


Cost: $250



TAILOR YOUR REUNION EXPERIENCE

Friday, July 30, 2010

6 p.m. -11 p.m. Meet and Greet

Revisit your old stomping grounds. Snacks, a cash bar and an opportunity to experience the simulators again

Cost: Meet and Greet Only: $20 / Meet and Greet and Simulators: $35



Saturday, July 31, 2010

Full day of access to the Cosmosphere, shows, and special reunion events; a behind the scenes tour of the Cosmosphere collection; dinner that evening.

Cost: $75



Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010


8 a.m. Rocket launch and continental breakfast onsite

Cost: $20 (price includes cost of rocket)


Register now at http://www.cosmo.org/25fatp/.

Some Contortion Required - Setting up the Apollo 13 Special Exhibit

The Cosmosphere collections department installed the Apollo 13 special exhibit Friday afternoon. Contortions were required as you can see here as Meredith Miller works to set up an informational piece, while Amanda Bailey helps direct the placement.



April marks the 40th anniversary of the historic mission.

Trivia Contest Winner

Congratulations to Bob Casselman of Wichita, who won the trivia contest in our last newsletter. The question was: Which Apollo mission gathered the moon rock on display at the Cosmosphere. The correct answer is Apollo 11. His prize is already on its way to him. Be looking for more trivia questions in future newslettters.

If you're not on the email newsletter list and would like to be, you can sign up here.

Hubble in Imax at Carey IMAX® Dome Theater

For nearly 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has dazzled us with unprecedented views of the cosmos—from the splendor of our celestial neighborhood to galaxies billions of light years away. Now on March 19 at the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater audiences will blast off alongside the Atlantis STS-125 crew, witness up-close some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed, and experience firsthand Hubble’s awe-inspiring imagery, from the heart of the Orion Nebula and our Milky Way to the edge of the observable universe. Recounting the amazing journey of the most important scientific instrument since Galileo’s original telescope, Hubble will immerse moviegoers in the great wonders and astounding beauty of our universe.

It will show at the Cosmosphere beginning March 19:
Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.;
Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m.,3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.

"It’s been said that The IMAX Experience® is the next best thing to being in space, and with IMAX, the audience really is there,” said Producer/Director Toni Myers. “Fifteen years ago we made a film about space exploration that included Hubble, when it started sending back the first images. Today, we have Hubble’s entire phenomenal legacy of data to explore. With IMAX, we can transport people to galaxies that are 13 billion light years away—back to the edge of time. Real star travel is here at last.”

Through the power of IMAX, Hubble will enable moviegoers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves.

Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble is rated G and is 43 minutes long.

Apollo 13 Anniversary Events at the Cosmosphere

"APOLLO 13" ­ THE MOVIE
FRIDAY, APRIL 16 ­ 4:00 P.M.
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 ­ 11:00 A.M. & 1:00 P.M.

The Cosmosphere's anniversary celebration will begin April 16 with showings of Ron Howard's Oscar-winning movie Apollo 13 Friday and Saturday in the Carey IMAX Dome Theater at the Cosmosphere. Tickets are $9.50/Adults, $9.00/Children (plus tax)



"THE WONDER OF IT ALL"
FRIDAY, APRIL 16 ­ 7:00 P.M.

Join us Friday in the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater for a viewing of "The Wonder of It All," a documentary by Jeff Roth detailing the manned spaceflight program from the early missions through the Apollo era. Mr. Roth will answer questions afterward. Tickets are $6.00



FREE SATURN V ROCKET LAUNCH
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 ­ 9:00 A.M.

Relive the liftoff of Apollo 13 as you watch the launch of a scale model of the Saturn V and hear the actual audio footage of pre- and post-launching activities. Free event (weather permitting) at Gowans Stadium.



APOLLO 13 MISSION CONTROL LIVE PRESENTATION AT THE HUTCHINSON SPORTS ARENA SATURDAY, APRIL 17 ­ 10:00 A.M.

Come and experience a panel discussion moderated by noted space author Andrew Chaikin with many of the famed Apollo 13 Mission Control staff including Flight Directors Gene Kranz, Milton (Milt) Windler, Gerry Griffin, Ed Fendell (INST/COMM), Jerry Bostick (FIDO), Sy Liebergot (CSM/EECOM), Astronaut CapComs Jack Lousma and Joe Kerwin, and Guenter Wendt (Pad Leader).

Admission to this event will be $5 for adults and $2 for children under 13.
Tickets will be sold at the door the day of the presentation or you may call the Cosmosphere at 662.2305 or 800.397.0330 to order your tickets now.

After the panel discussion, we will be holding a special autograph session for our Premium and Corporate Members. If you are interested in upgrading to a Premium Membership or becoming a Corporate Member, please contact Patti Ferguson at 620.665.9310. There are only 100 tickets remaining for the autograph session. Only items purchased from our on-site gift store will be signed by the VIPs during this event.

NASA Education Specialist Presents Cosmosphere Teacher Workshop

Mike McGlone, a NASA education specialist, will present a Teacher Workshop at the Cosmosphere on April 19 and 20. McGlone will focus on the Hubble Telescope, which was deployed 20 years ago. Cost is only $25 for Kansas teachers. This is an extraordinary opportunity to learn material that can be taken back to the classroom right away. It's geared for K-12 teachers. Register by calling Laurie at 620-662-2305 or 1-800-397-0330, ext. 323. Graduate credit is available.

The presentation will touch on multiple aspects of telescopes, astronomy and the Hubble in particular. He will discuss the history of telescopes and how they work, the electromagnetic specturm, how distance is measured and how the Hubble is used to classify galaxies. He will also talk about the challenges in servicing the Hubble, including the space environment, spacesuits and spacewalks.

The Hubble was deployed on April 25, 1990, during the STS-31 mission. It is the only space telescope designed to be serviced in space, and that became necessary almost immediately when it was discovered the main mirror had been ground incorrectly. A mission in 1993 fixed the problem, giving it the intended quality. It takes extremely sharp images, which have changed our understanding of the universe. Many Hubble observations have led to breakthroughs in astrophysics, such as accurately determining the rate of expansion of the universe. Hubble's final servicing mission was completed in 2009. It is expected to function until at least 2014 when another space telecope is scheduled to launch.

McGlone is a former Kansas teacher, and says that experience means he knows what teachers are looking for. He says the Hubble is a great example that can be used in the classroom. "Basic science and math principles are what make Hubble work. It gives kids a way to relate," he says, and "the images have an impact." He says NASA surveys show people connect to missions because of the Hubble images.

He says there's a way to address the Kansas standards, and still have fun, and that's what he wants to do. McGlone has a long term interest in sceince, starting with his earliest days playing with a chemistry set. His dad worked as a geologist, so they spent family vacations "looking at rocks" and going to science museums. He says he's still looking at rocks, just different ones now.

McGlone has been working at NASA for six years now and says this position as an education specialist has brought his broad interests in multiple areas together. He spends 50% of his time on the road, travelling eight states, teaching teachers. The Cosmosphere is thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to Kansas teachers.

James Oberg Speaks at Coffee at the Cosmo March 18

Coffee at the Cosmo on Thursday, March 18, will be presented by James Oberg, a former NASA contractor and NBC News Space Consultant. It is at 9 a.m. at the Cosmosphere and is free and open to the public.

Oberg is considered one of the world's leading authorities on Russian and Chinese space initiatives and exploration. He has written 12 books and more than 2,000 magazine and newspaper articles about different aspects of space flight. He has testified multiple times before Congress, and served as an on-air space expert for ABC News, CNN, Discovery Canada, the BBC, and other media outlets. He has been the NBC News Space Consultant since 2003.

Oberg's presentation is part of the ongoing Coffee at the Cosmo series. Coffee at the Cosmo is the third Thursday of every month at 9 a.m. and is always free. Enjoy coffee and pastries, meet new friends, and learn something new.

Oberg interprets space achievements as manifestations of human ingenuity and creativity. During his career, he has theorized about the future development of space technology, and how knowledge gained from space exploration can be used to protect Earth's biosphere. Oberg led the design of the initial orbit of the International Space Station.

Barry Asmus Visits Cosmosphere

Dr. Barry Asmus spoke at the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on February 1. Earlier in the day he visited the Cosmosphere and had glowing things to say about his experiences during the presentation. He was very impressed by the Cosmosphere's collection.

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.