New Mexico Museum of Space History

Governor’s Commission Meeting October 28th
2022-10-28 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Online
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is hosting our quarterly Governor’s Commission Meeting on October 28th , 2022 at 1:00PM.
This meeting will be open to the public via Zoom.
The Mission of the New Mexico Museum of Space History Commission is to establish museum of space history policy and determine
the mission and direct the development of the museum subject to the approval of the secretary of cultural affairs
and to provide direction, advice, and support to the Director of the Museum in the maintenance and operation of the Museum and its activities
For more information and to view the agenda click here.

Free Star Party!
2022-10-29 18:00 - 21:00 | NM
The Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League is hosting a Free Star Party! Check out a gorgeous crescent moon, see giant Jupiter and the rings of Saturn, and many other celestial bodies!
When: Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Where: In the large parking lot above the Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum.
Why: Because it’s fun to star gaze! Bring yourself and your family, we will bring the telescopes! If you have an interest in astronomy or are a telescope owner, consider joining the museum’s Astronomy League. New members are always welcome, membership forms will be available at the star party. League membership is free.

Free Launch Pad Lecture - “The NEW Road to the Moon”
2022-11-04 09:00 - 10:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will be on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 9:00 am.
This months feature Museum Outreach Coordinator Tony Gondola. His topic will be “The NEW Road to the Moon” and will take a close look at NASA’s plans to go back to the moon and why it’s important as a steppingstone for getting humans to Mars.
The event will be held at the main museum on the second floor.
The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and donuts are compliments of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation.
The next Launch Pad Lecture will be held on Friday, December 2. The topic will be “Apollo 17: 50 Years” presented by Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll.

Free Day at the Museum for Vets!
2022-11-11 08:00 - 17:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
Veterans, Active-Duty Personnel, National Guard, First Responders, and Families Invited
What: Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard personnel, and first responders are invited to attend the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo free on Veterans Day.
When: Friday, November 11, 2022 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo.
Why: In carrying on a tradition that began in 2016, the museum includes law enforcement, firefighters and first responders to the list of free attendees. Admission to the museum for those personnel, their spouse and up to two dependent children will be free of charge on Friday, November 11.

Astronomy League Meeting, November 17th
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels.
When: Thursday, November 17, at 7:00 pm.
Where: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum of Space History, front classroom.
Why: The event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Astronomy League will be Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022.

Free Launch Pad Lecture: Apollo 17: 50 Years!
2022-12-02 09:00 - 10:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Executive Director, Chris Orwoll.
His topic will be “Apollo 17: 50 Years”.
The Launch Pad Lecture Series is held on the first Friday of each month on the second floor of the Museum and is free to attend. Museum staff, and sometimes special guest speakers, discuss topics ranging from space history to space future.
Free to the public. Coffee and donuts provided.

Astronomy League Meeting December 8
2022-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels.
When: Thursday, December 8, at 7:00 pm.
Where: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum of Space History, front classroom.
Why: The event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Astronomy League will be Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Holiday on the Hill
2022-12-17 10:00 - 15:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
A FREE day at the museum! Join us on December 17th, from 10 AM – 3 PM!

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
2022-12-25 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
The Museum of Space History will be closed on Christmas Day.
Our normal operating hours are Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday noon to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Tuesdays. For more information, email msh.info@dca.nm.gov or call 575-437-2840.
Happy Holidays!

NEW TELESCOPE USER CLINIC
2022-12-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League is hosting a new telescope user clinic! League members will be on hand to help new telescope users learn best practices and handy tips for stargazing.
When: Thursday, Dec. 29, at 7:00 pm.
Where: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum of Space History, front classroom.
Why: The event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Astronomy League will be Thursday, January 12, 2023. The Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels.

CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY
2023-01-01 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
The Museum of Space History will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Our normal operating hours are Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday noon to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Tuesdays. For more information, email msh.info@dca.nm.gov or call 575-437-2840.
Happy Holidays!

Free January Launch Pad Lecture John Glenn: Godspeed to the Heavens
2023-01-06 09:00 - 10:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Education Specialist Mike Shinabery. His topic will be “John Glenn: Godspeed to the Heavens” – a closer look at the man, his missions, and his legacy.
Take the elevator up to the second floor!
The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and donuts are compliments of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation.
The next Launch Pad Lecture will be held on Friday, February 3. The topic will be “New Space Update: More than NASA” presented by Museum Outreach Coordinator Tony Gondola.

Astronomy League Meeting
2023-01-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels.
When: Thursday, January 12, at 7:00 pm.
Where: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum of Space History, front classroom.
Why: The event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Astronomy League will be Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Governor’s Commission Meeting Scheduled
2023-01-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Stewart L. Udall Center for Museum Resources, 725 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM, 87505, United States
(Alamogordo, New Mexico, January 13, 2023) – The Governor’s Commission to the New Mexico Museum of Space History will hold a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, January 27, 2023, beginning at 1:00 pm in the Udall Building at 725 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe.
The Commission’s agenda will be posted to the museum website at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact Sharon Masters at least 48 hours before the meeting via email at sharon.masters@state.nm.us to discuss your accessibility needs.
The mission of the Governor’s Commission to the museum is to provide direction, advice, and support to the Director of the Museum in the maintenance and operation of the Museum and all of its activities.
For more information and to view the agenda, click here.

Free February Launch Pad Lecture New Space Update: More Than NASA
2023-02-03 09:00 - 10:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Outreach Coordinator Tony Gondola. His topic will be “New Space Update: More Than NASA” and he will share insights into what organizations besides NASA are doing in space.
When: Friday, February 3, 2023, at 9:00 am.
Where: New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo, NM. Take the elevator up to the second floor!
Why: The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and donuts are compliments of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation.
The next Launch Pad Lecture will be held on Friday, March 3. The topic will be “Why Can’t We Be Friends: US & Soviet Cooperation in Space During the Cold War” presented by Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll.

Astronomy League Meeting February 9
2023-02-09 19:00 - 20:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels.
When: Thursday, February 9, at 7:00 pm.
Where: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum of Space History, front classroom.
Why: The event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Astronomy League will be Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Free March Launch Pad Lecture Features the New Mexico Space Trail
2023-03-03 09:00 - 10:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Educator Michael Shinabery. His topic will be “The New Mexico Space Trail” which highlights why New Mexico has such a rich heritage in space exploration and development.
When: Friday, March 3, 2023, at 9:00 am.
Where: New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo, NM. Take the elevator up to the second floor!
Why: The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and donuts are compliments of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation.
The next Launch Pad Lecture will be held on Friday, April 7. The topic will be “Enos: the Chimp that Circled the World” presented by Museum Educator Michael Shinabery.

Astronomy League Meeting Features “Angel of Darkness” Guest Speaker March 9
2023-03-09 19:00 - 20:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels.
When: Thursday, March 9, at 7:00 pm.
Who: William “Bill” Wren picked up the nickname “Angel of Darkness” during his tenure at the McDonald Observatory where he worked for more 30 years as an astronomy educator and tireless advocate for dark skies. Now retired, Wren has moved to Cloudcroft, NM, where he plans to stay active with the dark skies community. Wren will be giving his presentation on the HETDEX – the Hobby-Eberly Dark Energy Experiment – at the University of Texas at Austin McDonald Observatory. Wren was the Commissioning TO for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope.
Where: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum of Space History, front classroom.
Why: The event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Astronomy League will be Thursday, January 12, 2023.
Bill Wren has retired after 32 years with McDonald Observatory, most recently working on protecting the dark skies over the observatory and surrounding areas. (McDonald Observatory)

The mirror of the 9.2-meter Hobby-Eberly Telescope is visible through the open louvers in this twilight view. In daylight, the flagpoles on the right show the flags of the five HET partner institutions. Credit: Marty Harris/McDonald Obs./UT-Austin

Space Break - Star Party, March 14
2023-03-14 19:00 - 22:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Star Party – Spring Break Star Party supported by the Astronomy League and Museum Educators. Along with the usual array of telescopes, there will be big screen live viewing of astronomic objects along with a pass of the International Space Station. The ISS pass starts at 8:44 pm out of the southwest and ends at 8:55 pm, almost overhead. Maximum altitude will be 50 degrees and the station will be visible for over 5 minutes. The event runs from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, weather permitting.

Museum Kicks Off Spring Break With Space Break – and a free Star Party!
2023-03-14 19:00 - 2023-03-29 14:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Rocketeer Academy is kicking spring break into high gear with three weeks worth of Space Break activities!

Tuesday, March 14
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Star Party – Spring Break Star Party supported by the Astronomy League and Museum Educators. Along with the usual array of telescopes, there will be big screen live viewing of astronomic objects along with a pass of the International Space Station. The ISS pass starts at 8:44 pm out of the southwest and ends at 8:55 pm, almost overhead. Maximum altitude will be 50 degrees and the station will be visible for over 5 minutes. The event runs from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the museum’s lower parking lot, weather permitting.

Thursday, March 16
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Intro to Rocketry – It’s all about rockets! Learn the ups and downs of how rockets work. Younger students, 4th grade and lower, will build and fly, air powered paper rockets. More advanced students will take part in the water rocket challenge. These students, working in teams, will design a build a powerful water rocket and recovery system that carries an “eggstranaut” payload aloft, can IT survive? It all happens on the museum’s second floor and is free with museum admission.

Monday, March 20
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
SUN DAY – Observe the Sun live using a number of different solar telescopes. Event supported by the Astronomy League and Education Department. The event will include live viewing of the sun along with various solar oriented demonstrations covering solar power generation, cooking and a solar furnace capable of reaching temperatures of over 3000 degrees Fahrenheit!
This event is free to the public and will be held on the museum patio.

Thursday, March 23
Buy a Gift Shop model rocket!
Build it: 11:00 am or 12:00 pm (Theater classroom 1)
Launch it: 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm (Museum Lower Parking lot)
Rocket Blast! This is a standard rocket building class, open to both students and adults. Buy a model rocket at the museum gift shop, then build it and launch it! Rocket building classes are scheduled for 11:00 am or 12:00 pm. Rocket launching is at 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm. This program is first come, first served, or while supplies of rockets last. Classes and launching are free to the public.

Thursday, March 23
Lower Parking Lot
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Star Party – This is a public star party supported by the Astronomy League and Museum Educators. Along with the normal array of telescopes, there will be big screen live viewing of astronomic objects as well as the usual visual observing. This event is free to the public and will be held in the museum’s lower parking lot from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Wednesday, March 29
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
NASA Day – This is a day at the museum dedicated to all things NASA – from the Artemis project to science on the Space Station and citizen science programs. The day will include info and tables on the 2nd floor, citizen science activities and other demos. The event is free with museum admission.

Space Break - Intro to Rocketry, March 16
2023-03-16 10:00 - 15:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Intro to Rocketry – It’s all about rockets! Learn the ups and downs of how rockets work. Younger students, 4th grade and lower, will build and fly, air powered paper rockets. More advanced students will take part in the water rocket challenge. These students, working in teams, will design a build a powerful water rocket and recovery system that carries an “eggstranaut” payload aloft, can IT survive? It all happens on the museum’s second floor and is free with museum admission.

Space Break - Sun Day, March 20
2023-03-20 10:00 - 14:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
SUN DAY – Observe the Sun live using a number of different solar telescopes. Event supported by the Astronomy League and Education. The event will include live viewing of the sun along with various solar oriented demonstrations covering solar power generation, cooking and a solar furnace capable of reaching temperatures of over 3000 degrees Fahrenheit!
This event is free to the public and will be held on the museum patio.

Space Break - Rocket Blast, March 23
2023-03-23 11:00 - 15:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
Buy a Gift Shop model rocket!
Build it: 11:00 am or 12:00 pm (Theater classroom 1)
Launch it: 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm (Museum Lower Parking lot)
Rocket Blast! This is a standard Estes rocket building class, open to both students and adults. Buy a model rocket at the museum gift shop, then build it and launch it! Rocket building classes are scheduled for 11:00 am or 12:00 pm. Rocket launching is at 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm. This program is first come, first served, or while supplies of rockets last. Classes and launching are free to the public.

Space Break - Star Party, March 23
2023-03-23 19:00 - 22:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
Lower Parking Lot
Star Party – This will is a public star party supported by the Astronomy League and Museum Educators. Along with the normal array of telescopes, there will be big screen live viewing of astronomic objects as well as the usual visual observing. This event is free to the public and will be held in the museum’s lower parking lot.

Space Break - NASA Day, March 29
2023-03-29 10:00 - 14:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
NASA Day – This is a day at the museum dedicated to all things NASA – from the Artemis project to science on the Space Station and citizen science programs. The day will include info and tables on the 2nd floor, citizen science activities and activities. The event will be held on the second floor of the museum and is free with museum admission.

Space Break - Introduction to 3D Printing, March 30 RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 6
2023-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 6:

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Introduction to 3D printing – Limited to ages 14 and up with a total capacity limit of 10 individuals or teams. Students will learn how 3D printing works, the rules of 3D design, how to create objects in software, and finally how to prepare a design for printing. Participants will then design their own 3D object using TinkerCAD. These objects will be printed out over the following week for pick up at the museum. The class will run from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Tombaugh Building Classroom 2 and is free to attend. Pre-registration required. To register, email tony.gondola@dca.nm.gov.

Rocket Park and Playground to Close During Landscaping Renovation Starting April 5
2023-04-05 - 2023-05-31 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: On Wednesday, April 5, work will begin to replace the landscaping in the museum’s rocket park that was destroyed by flooding last July. Crews will be onsite to crane rocket park artifacts out of the way on Wednesday, with concrete work and landscaping to take place over the next several weeks. During that time, the rocket park and playground will be closed to the public. Access to the museum main entrance will be routed around the area.
When: Wednesday, April 5, and continuing for several weeks until the work is finished.
Where: The John P. Stapp Air and Space Park and Rocketeer Playground will be closed to the public during landscaping renovation. Keep an eye on the museum’s Facebook page for photos and videos of the progress!

Space Break - Introduction to 3D Printing, April 6
2023-04-06 18:30 - 20:30 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Introduction to 3D printing – Limited to ages 14 and up with a total capacity limit of 10 individuals or teams. Students will learn how 3D printing works, the rules of 3D design, how to create objects in software, and finally how to prepare a design for printing. Participants will then design their own 3D object using TinkerCAD. These objects will be printed out over the following week for pick up at the museum. The class will run from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Tombaugh Building Classroom 2 and is free to attend. Pre-registration required. To register, email tony.gondola@dca.nm.gov.

Free April Launch Pad Lecture is All About Enos: The Chimp that Circled the World
2023-04-07 09:00 - 10:00 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Educator Michael Shinabery. His topic will be “Enos: The Chimp that Circled the World” and will highlight the less famous but equally as important contributions made by Enos to human spaceflight.
When: Friday, April 7, 2023, at 9:00 am.
Where: New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo, NM. Take the elevator up to the second floor!
Why: The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and donuts are compliments of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation.
The next Launch Pad Lecture will be held on Friday, May 5. The topic will be “Mesoamerica and the Moon: An Archeoastronomy Trip” presented by Museum Educator Andrew Colwell.

Astronomy League Meeting April 13
2023-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
What: The monthly of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels.
When: Thursday, April 13, at 7:00 pm.
Where: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum of Space History, front classroom.
Why: The event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Astronomy League will be Thursday, May 11, 2023.
