Visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History

Johnna Russell Alamogordo 0

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a museum and planetarium complex that showcases artifacts and displays related to the history of space travel. It was opened in 1976, and to this day, it never fails to awe its visitors. This is one of the 15 divisions of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, and it’s been accredited by The American Alliance of Museums since 1993.

The History of the Alamogordo Space Center

In 1973, former Alamogordo mayor, Dwight Ohlinger, found inspiration in the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. He wanted to build a Space Hall of Fame. It was ideal for Alamogordo because of the city’s history of work in space travel. Initially, the museum was to hold only space-related artifacts and a planetarium. Yet over time, it has grown to include several more exhibits.

The name of the facility has changed a few times. In 1981, it became the Alamogordo Space Center to emphasize the growing number of space-related exhibits. In 2001, it became the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

Exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Space History

The New Mexico Museum of Space History has many enthralling exhibits in eight different departments:

Museum of Space History: The Museum of Space History contains intriguing exhibits like a mock-up of the International Space Station and some of Robert Goddard’s rocket experiments.

International Space Hall of Fame: The International Space Hall of Fame honors those who have furthered the boundless exploration of space.

John P. Stapp Air and Space Park: The John P. Stapp Air and Space Park is an outdoor exhibit that has large space-related artifacts, like the 86 foot tall Little Joe II rocket.

Daisy Track: The Daisy Track is another outdoor exhibit. This air-powered sled track is where scientists study acceleration, deceleration, and the impact of these forces on the human body and equipment.

Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center: The Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center is where the museum’s education programs take place. It contains The New Horizons Dome Theater and classrooms for the summer programs and other group educational programs. The lobby has a fascinating interactive exhibit called the Magic Planet.

New Horizons Dome Theater & Planetarium: The New Horizons Dome Theater & Planetarium is one of the biggest dome theaters in the world. Visitors can watch films and planetarium shows on giant screens.

Astronaut Memorial Garden: The Astronaut Memorial Garden pays homage to the astronauts of the Apollo 1, Space Shuttle Challenger, and Columbia missions.

Hubbard Space Science Research Building: The Hubbard Space Science Research Building holds the museum’s archives and library. It’s particularly useful for researchers and students. This building contains academic works on New Mexico space history, NASA publications, photos, informational articles, and more.