Join the New Mexico Museum of Space History for the next Launch Pad Lecture on December 5, Preservation Moon: Defining and Preserving the Cultural Landscape of Tranquility Base, presented by our new Executive Director, Karen Kincaid Brady. Preservation Moon offers a compelling reflection on one of humanity’s most remarkable achievements. On July 20, 1969, at 4:17 PM EDT,
IRecently, the New Mexico Museum of Space History hosted attendees of the ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) conference, with Dr. Beth O’Leary leading the event. Delegates from ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Aerospace Heritage (ISCoAH) explored the museum; they were immersed in New Mexico’s pivotal role in the story of space exploration. From
The New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Rocket Park and the adjacent playground will be temporarily closed to the public to ensure the safety of the public while the largest rocket, the Little Joe II rocket, undergoes refurbishment. Received by the museum in 1985, Little Joe II is one of only two known surviving rockets
At the New Mexico Museum of Space History, we had a great time participating in the #KeepLitterOut campaign with a cleanup and beautification effort. In just about three hours, volunteers from Grace Methodist Church in Alamogordo, staff from the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces, and our dedicated museum team joined forces to
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by landing on the Moon and delivering those unforgettable words from Tranquility Base. This presentation, led by Karen Kincaid Brady, the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s new Executive Director, explores that moment and examines Tranquility Base as a cultural landscape and the importance
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and the New Mexico Museum of Space History Commission is proud to announce the appointment of Karen Kincaid Brady as executive director of the museum, effective October 27, 2025. “We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the New Mexico Museum of Space History,” said Debra Garcia y Griego, cabinet
Join the New Mexico Museum of Space History for the next Launch Pad Lecture on November 7, “Storms, Science & Surveyor: The Story of Apollo 12,” presented by Marie De Leon, Senior Instructional Coordinator at the Museum. Apollo 12 transformed a lightning‑struck launch into one of NASA’s most precise lunar landings, showcasing extraordinary teamwork, scientific innovation, and
New Mexico Museum of Space History Governor’s Commission MeetingDate: Friday, October 31, 2025Time: 1:00 PM MDT Location: New Mexico Museum of Space HistoryClyde Tombaugh Dome Theater & Planetarium – Front Classroom3198 State Road 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310 The Mission of the New Mexico Museum of Space History Commission is to provide direction, advice, and support to the Director
On Friday, September 19, members of the New Mexico Museum of Space History joined Paul “Chez” Sanchez, MSgt, USAF, Retired, at Holloman Air Force Base for the annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony. Senior Instructional Coordinator Dr. Rebecca Michael, former Navy Air Medivac Hospital Corpsman, delivered this year’s moving tribute, following in the footsteps of
On October 3, Museum Education Director Michael Shinabery will bring to life the fascinating origins of the New Mexico Museum of Space History with his signature animated style and depth of knowledge. From Dwight Ohlinger’s dream that led to the International Space Hall of Fame to the influential NASA scientists who shaped its legacy, this
Even as heavy rain and lightning swept through the area, the spirit of remembrance proved stronger than the storm. More than 120 people gathered on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the New Mexico Museum of Space History for this year’s Climb the Cube, an annual event that honors the courage and sacrifice of first responders
Read all about it! The New Mexico Museum of Space History is proud to share that our museum has been recognized in the September–October 2025 issue of True West magazine as an Editorial Pick for a “Not-to-miss museum.” You can find us featured on page 78 of this special issue. True West has been celebrating Western culture and history since
Annual Trinity Site Tour Saturday, October 18 6:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. (approximate time) Due to the Federal government shutdown, the Trinity Site Tour has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for Spring 2026. If you would like a refund or more information, please get in touch with the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation
Alamogordo, NM — Get ready to journey across the stars with infinite, bolder sights and resonant sounds. The New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium at the New Mexico Museum of Space History has unveiled a dazzling upgrade to its projection system, ensuring every visitor experiences the cosmos in spectacular detail! To provide our museum goers with
On September 4, 2025, Dr. Becca Michaels, Senior Instructional Coordinator at the museum, shared an inspiring story with the Alamogordo Rotary Club. Her presentation highlighted Clyde Tombaugh, the Kansas farm boy who, with no college education, built his own telescopes and went on to discover Pluto in 1930. Starting in 1926, Tombaugh handcrafted telescopes, grinding
Alamogordo, NM – Be part of a commemorative celebration at the New Mexico Museum of Space History as we honor the bravery of 9/11 first responders with the invigorating Climb the Cube event on Saturday, September 13, 2025! Event Details: * Space is limited, so we strongly encourage participants to register in advance. Participants can enter a raffle
On September 5, 2025, Carolyn Peeler will highlight the remarkable achievements of women identified by NASA as key trailblazers in the space program. She will explore their diverse backgrounds, their groundbreaking contributions to space exploration, and their ongoing legacies in supporting STEM long after their time at NASA. Guest Speaker: Carolyn Peeler, military veteran, retired Civil
On August 13, we had the honor of hosting the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Congressional Broadband Tour in New Mexico. This memorable event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and local representatives to emphasize the need for broadband expansion in rural communities. Special thanks to Lorna Gilmore, Policy Manager at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association,
James A. Lovell Jr., famed astronaut who flew on Apollo 8—the first mission to orbit the Moon—and commanded the dramatic Apollo 13 mission, passed away yesterday, August 7, 2025, in Lake Forest, Illinois, at age 97. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1928, Lovell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and served as a
Guest Speaker: Guest Speaker Jon Brinkmann—retired affiliate professor at New Mexico State University and a veteran of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). When: Friday, August 1, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM MDT Location: New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Join us on August 1 for an engaging dive into black holes. In
The New Mexico Museum of Space History welcomes two new employees, Brigette Smith and Levi Heisinger. Brigette is the museum’s new Front Desk Customer Service representative, and Levi joined as an Education Coordinator and Planetarium Projectionist. With extensive experience in hotel front desk operations, retail management, and telecom sales, Brigette is excited to engage with
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is pleased to introduce Olga Valanos as our new Public Relations and Marketing Director. Olga joined our team in April 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Olga, an MBA graduate of Loyola College, most recently served as the Communications Lead at the
Soar into excitement on Saturday, July 26, as we launch Skywired with an opening day celebration on the second floor of the New Mexico Museum of Space History—a thrilling journey through the captivating world of radio-controlled aviation! This celebration is a testament to the spirit of collaboration between the museum and the Alamogordo RCers, in partnership with
New Mexico Museum of Space History Governor’s Commission MeetingDate: Friday, July 25, 2025Time: 1:00 PM MDT Location: New Mexico Museum of Space HistoryClyde Tombaugh Dome Theater & Planetarium – Front Classroom3198 State Road 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310 The Mission of the New Mexico Museum of Space History Commission is to provide direction, advice, and support
Did you feel that? It’s the pulse of an all-encompassing sound system hitting you at once at the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Previously, guests enjoyed surround sound from left, right, center, and above. Now, the installation of a state-of-the-art Trinnov system takes audio immersion to
Prepare to be captivated by the mysteries of the cosmos and the wisdom of ancient sky watchers at Ancient Skies, Modern Eyes—an enlightening, all-day free public event that explores how humanity has long turned to the stars for meaning, guidance, and inspiration. Taking place on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at
ALAMOGORDO, NM – May 27, 2025 – The New Mexico Museum of Space History is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest long-term exhibit, the “Wall of Firsts” interactive. With a single touch of a fingertip, the “Wall of Firsts” springs to life across two impressive 86-inch screens. Photos, videos, and detailed text “explode” across the displays, transporting
Photo: Creekside Great Kiva, courtesy of Jornada Research Institute Guest Speaker: David Greenwald, President of Jornada Research Institute Location: New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium When: June 6, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Explore how ancient New Mexico communities aligned with the stars at the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s upcoming Launch Pad Lecture Archaeoastronomy Associations of the
New Mexico Rocketeer Academy Summer Camp Returns to Alamogordo! Hosted by the New Mexico Museum of Space History and the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation.
Alamogordo, NM — NMSU Alamogordo, in collaboration with educators from the New Mexico Museum of Space History and sponsored by the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation, proudly presents the Rocket & Drone STEM Camp. This exciting opportunity invites middle school students, from those entering 6th grade to those completing 8th grade, to explore the fascinating
PHOTO CAPTION: Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, completed a circuit of the Earth in the spaceship Vostok 1 on April 12, 1961. Photograph from Getty Images ALAMOGORDO, NM – The New Mexico Museum of Space History is pleased to announce that the Launch Pad Lecture series will return to the New
New Mexico Museum of Space History is proud to announce a special event honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This celebration, held in collaboration with the Holloman AFB Tuskegee Airmen Chapter, will take place on the museum’s second floor and is free for
Alamogordo, NM — Stars of a Different Kind: The Mercury 13 and Their Quest for Space, is next in our monthly Launch Pad Lecture series at New Mexico Museum of Space History. The Mercury 13 tested the mental and physical rigors of space flight for women. Despite its groundbreaking potential, it fell victim to gender
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is thrilled to announce Brianna (Bri) Buller, is the museum’s new Curator Supervisor! Buller began her career at space history in September 2023 when she was hired as the Curator Assistant following several years working as a member of the curatorial staff at Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas. Buller
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 12, 2024 Alamogordo’s New Mexico Museum of Space History is proud to host the upcoming 9/11 memorial Climb the Cube! event sponsored by the Alamogordo Fire Department. The event will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, and commemorates the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 8 emergency medical technicians, and numerous
Popular Speaker Series Moves Location to New Horizons Theater What: The Tuskegee Airmen, an historic group of World War II African American fighter and bomber pilots, will be the topic of the February Launch Pad Lecture. Ms. Carolyn A. Peeler will give the presentation. Ms. Peeler is the Chief of Manpower and Organization, 49th Force
What: The new temporary exhibit Sci Fi & Sci Fact: Two Worlds Collide will open in the Governor’s Gallery in Santa Fe on Monday, January 15. The exhibit, created by the New Mexico Museum of Space History, highlights how the realms of science fiction and science fact overlap and help create our modern world. Sci
(Alamogordo, New Mexico, January 4, 2024) – The New Mexico Museum of Space History is pleased to welcome three new staff members – Education Specialist Llirmarie DeLeon, Assistant Curator Brianna Buller, and Finance Officer Andy Olivas. “Each of our new staff members brings a unique skill set and personal passion to our museum and we’re delighted
What: The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Education Director Mike Shinabery. His topic will be “Ranger & Mariner: All Aboard!” Shinabery will discuss these early space probes and what they were designed to do. This is the last Launch Pad Lecture to be held on the
What: The Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League has lots going on in December! This month’s League meeting has been moved to Thursday, December 7. The monthly meeting of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels. The meeting will be held in the Clyde W. Tombaugh
What: Learn how Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has helped save lives. Discover how a guy named Hugo laid the groundwork for virtual reality and wireless technology in the early 1900s. See how the realms of science fiction and science fact overlap and help create our modern world when the Sci Fi & Sci Fact exhibit opens on Friday, December 15. Where: New
What: The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll. His topic will be “Rayguns, Robots, and Rocketships!” Orwoll will talk about pop culture and the museum’s upcoming exhibit “Sci Fi & Sci Fact.” When: Friday, December 1, 2023, at 9:00 am. Where: New Mexico Museum of
Astronaut Borman Died November 7, 2023 (Alamogordo, New Mexico) – Veteran of Gemini 7 and Apollo 8, Frank Borman passed away on November 7, 2023, in Billings, Montana, following a stroke. Borman was NASA’s oldest living astronaut. The New Mexico Museum of Space History extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Borman’s family and friends. Frank Borman
What: The Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League is hosting a free Star Party for everyone who loves to stargaze. Astronomy League members will point out Saturn, Jupiter, and other wonders of the early winter night sky. Selected objects will be shown live on large monitors to make viewing easier for children and the seeing impaired.
What: The monthly Launch Pad Lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Space History will feature Museum Education Director Michael Shinabery. His topic will be “ISS: 25th Anniversary”. He’ll give a brief history of the International Space Station and what it took to create and man it. When: Friday, November 3, 2023, at 9:00 am. Where: New Mexico Museum
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 the federally observed holiday Friday, November 10, on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12. When: Friday, November
What: The monthly of the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League welcomes astronomers of all ages and skill levels. Special guest speaker for this meeting will be Carol McLean Wright who will be speaking about her and her father’s experiences with NASA during the Apollo era. Wright will be showing a LEM Operating Manual
What: The Museum of Space of Space History is pleased to present the award-winning documentary Oppenheimer After Trinity at the New Horizons Dome Theater. Oppenheimer After Trinity is a thought-provoking and insightful documentary that explores events that occurred after the testing of the world’s first atomic bomb in July of 1945. The documentary offers a
What: The sun is scheduled to put on a special annular eclipse to kick off the Great Southwest Star Party, featuring a deep partial eclipse with over 90% of the sun’s surface covered by the moon. Organizers of the Star Party were delighted to hear of the sun’s participation in the event and noted that it’s
Speaker: Sara Kerner – Principal Software Engineer and Associate Fellow at Lockheed Martin Topic: Systems Engineering for Space Missions This topic will provide an overview of different space missions and how we build systems for space-based observation and exploration. Ms. Sara Kerner is a Principal Software Engineer and Associate Fellow at Lockheed Martin. She has