NASA Chief Visits Kansas Museum as Artemis II Heads to Moon

Administrator Jared Isaacman tours Cosmosphere during historic Artemis II mission.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and concepts of space exploration.The Cosmosphere's extensive collection of space artifacts and educational programs inspire the next generation of explorers as NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon.Hutchinson Today

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman visited the Cosmosphere space museum in Hutchinson, Kansas, as the Artemis II mission was set to break the record for the farthest distance traveled by a crewed spacecraft. Isaacman toured the museum's extensive collection of U.S. and Soviet space artifacts, including the actual Apollo 13 command module, and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the museum's recent renovations.

Why it matters

The Cosmosphere is considered one of the best space museums in the world, with a collection that rivals the Smithsonian's. Isaacman's visit highlights the museum's importance as a hub for space education and inspiration, especially as NASA embarks on the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.

The details

During his tour, Isaacman was particularly impressed by the museum's Soviet space artifacts, including a genuine Volga airlock used during the first spacewalk. He also spent time examining the Apollo 13 command module, Odyssey, which the Cosmosphere restored in 1995. The visit coincided with the Artemis II mission, which was set to break the record for the farthest distance traveled by a crewed spacecraft later that day.

  • On April 6, 2026, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman visited the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas.
  • Later that evening on April 6, the Artemis II crew was set to fly by the Moon and become the farthest humans away from Earth in history.

The players

Jared Isaacman

The current NASA Administrator who visited the Cosmosphere.

Jerry Moran

A Kansas senator who invited Isaacman to visit the Cosmosphere, which he described as "the best space museum in the world."

Jim Remar

The CEO of the Cosmosphere who gave Isaacman a tour of the museum's extensive collection of U.S. and Soviet space artifacts.

Gerry Griffin

A former NASA flight director for the Apollo program who was a special guest during Isaacman's visit.

Artemis II Crew

The crew of the Artemis II mission, consisting of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, who were set to fly by the Moon and break the record for the farthest distance traveled by a crewed spacecraft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have the largest collection of U.S. space artifacts outside of the Smithsonian and the largest Soviet collection outside of Moscow.”

— Jim Remar, CEO, Cosmosphere

“I've read the history of things like this, but to see it in person is amazing.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

“Knowing the crew is...getting ready to go on the dark side of the moon later today, being able to share this with the administrator and all of you on this day is pretty spectacular.”

— Jim Remar, CEO, Cosmosphere

“To be here today, surrounded by so much history that we are building upon in this very moment is a real honor.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

“The Cosmosphere tells the story of the last time NASA took on the challenge of competing against a great rival, a space race. It reminds us of what we can achieve when America commits itself with competence, ownership and urgency toward accomplishing world-changing objectives.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is set to continue its historic journey around the Moon, breaking the record for the farthest distance traveled by a crewed spacecraft.

The takeaway

The Cosmosphere's extensive collection of space artifacts and its role in inspiring the next generation of space explorers underscores its importance as a leading space museum. Isaacman's visit highlights the museum's significance as the Artemis program aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon.