Cosmosphere Renovation Celebrated as Leaders Highlight New Era of Space Exploration

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, former NASA Apollo flight director Gerry Griffin and Cosmosphere President and CEO Jim Remar are photographed in front of the Apollo 13 Command Module, Odyssey.

The Cosmosphere marked the completion of renovations to its lower level with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, drawing national attention as space leaders gathered during a historic moment for NASA’s return to the Moon.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and former NASA Apollo flight director Gerry Griffin joined Cosmosphere President and CEO Jim Remar, staff and community members to celebrate the newly renovated Hall of Space Museum, featuring enhanced exhibits and expanded educational experiences inside one of the nation’s premier space museums.

The event came as astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis mission traveled deeper into space than any crew in decades, linking the Cosmosphere’s past to the future of human exploration.

     “What a privilege it is to be at the Kansas Cosmosphere on a day that the world is paying attention to what’s taking place in space,” said Sen. Jerry Moran.

Remar said that the renovation strengthens the museum’s ability to inspire future generations at a time when interest in space is once again surging.

     “The Cosmosphere’s mission is to inspire the future… and I can think of no greater partner in advancing that mission,” said Jim Remar.

Moran praised the Hutchinson-based museum in Reno County, Kansas, as a globally significant institution, noting its impact on education, innovation and national competitiveness.

     “The Cosmosphere is such a tremendous asset to Hutchinson, Kansas, to the United States, and really to the world,” said Sen. Jerry Moran.

The Cosmosphere is Kansas’ only Smithsonian-affiliated museum and houses one of the most extensive space collections anywhere, including the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world.

Its exhibits include flown spacecraft from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs - making it one of the few places where visitors can experience the full story of the Space Race in a single location.

That reputation has not gone unnoticed by those closest to the mission.

     “You have the best space museum in the world in Kansas.” - Artemis astronaut, as shared by Sen. Moran.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the moment reflects a turning point for the nation’s space program, as Artemis missions lay the groundwork for a sustained human presence on the Moon and future journeys to Mars.

     “After a brief 54-year intermission, NASA is back in the business of sending astronauts to the Moon,” said Jared Isaacman.

He emphasized that the current mission is just the beginning.

     “We’re not just going back to the flags and footprints - we’re going to build a moon base,” said Jared Isaacman.

Isaacman also pointed to institutions like the Cosmosphere as essential to inspiring the next generation of explorers.

     “Places like the Cosmosphere help the next generation start to believe again,” said Jared Isaacman.

The presence of Griffin - who helped guide NASA missions during the Apollo era, added historical weight to the event, connecting the legacy of early spaceflight to today’s renewed ambitions.

As leaders cut the ribbon on the renovated lower level, they emphasized that the Cosmosphere continues to play a critical role—not just preserving history, but shaping the future of space exploration.

 Cosmosphere President and CEO Jim Remar

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, center, with former NASA Apollo flight director Gerry Griffin , left.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran spoke to officals with the City of Hutchinson. 



Ribbon cutting in the Hall of Space Museum at the Cosmosphere Monday morning. Photos by Sandra J. Milburn/Reno County