Time: 2024-06-19
By the Cosmosphere
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has generously donated a flight-proven Merlin rocket engine to the Cosmosphere museum located in Hutchinson, Kansas. This particular Merlin engine is one of nine that power SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which is known as the world's first orbital class, reusable rocket designed for the safe and reliable transportation of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond. The engine donated to the Cosmosphere played a vital role in powering the launch of the Koreasat-5A mission on October 30, 2017, from the historic Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a pad with a rich history of supporting numerous Apollo missions.
The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, boasts a collection of U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Additionally, it holds the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. This unique collection enables the Cosmosphere to present the story of the Space Race in a compelling manner, surpassing other museums worldwide. The museum also offers immersive education experiences aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, including the Carey Digital Dome Theater, a digital Planetarium, Dr. Goddard's Lab for live science demonstrations, and CosmoKids, an interactive STEAM area for children accompanied by an adult.
With SpaceX's donation of the Merlin rocket engine, the Cosmosphere continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for space enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This new addition will undoubtedly enhance the museum's offerings and provide visitors with a firsthand look at the incredible technology that propels us into the cosmos. As the Cosmosphere looks towards the future with the opening of its rocket gallery in 2024, the legacy of space exploration will continue to inspire new generations of dreamers and innovators.
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