Cosmosphere

Hutchinson, KS is the home to the Cosmosphere, a facility that has become one of the foremost locations for the display and restoraton of space hardware. Hard to imagine such a facility in a small town in Kansas.

It was time to introduce our grandchildren to the wonders of space so we made the trip.

The astronauts personal aircraft are on display in the lobby

Exhibits actually start even before you enter.

There are Imax domes and planetariums to keep you learning

The WWII German exhibit has actual V1 and V2 rockets as well as signage telling the development history and strategic implications

This showed the impactws of the various rockets and flying bombs on the English countryside

Other exhibits covered the development of space hardware, and rocket engines

I think this panel best sums up what the personality of the astronauts must have been

Both USA and Russian efforts at space development were covered

Moon rocks are on display

Dr Goddards lab gives wonderful displays of the principals of rocket flight. this example had alcohol being ignited in a plastic water jug and propelling the bottle. It was an interesting display for young and old alike.  

Liquid oxygen was poured on the floor in front of infrared sensors to show the cooling effect

The gift shop has a variety of really classy items

This lunar lander exhibit is just off the lobby 

Optical illusions with mirrors were a big hit with the grandchildren