Mission to Moon Sets Down in a Kansas Exhibit

One of the largest permanent exhibits on the U.S. Apollo space missions, which landed the first men on the moon in 1969, opens its first phase Saturday in Hutchinson, Kan.

The new Apollo Gallery at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, about 40 miles northwest of Wichita, will offer more than 500 artifacts plus extensive narrative material, said spokeswoman Karen Siebert.

Among the highlights: the command module from the troubled 1970 Apollo 13 mission, aborted after an oxygen tank ruptured; spacesuits worn by James Lovell (Apollo 13) and Ronald Evans (Apollo 17); a “white room” used for final spacesuit checks on the missions; a digital video display where astronauts discuss their experiences; and personal items such as razors used aboard the flights. The first phase includes about half of the 500 objects. The second and final phase, opening by early next year, will add the rest, including displays from the Soviet space program, Siebert said.

Visiting the museum where the Apollo Gallery is located costs $5.50 for adults, $5 for children 12 and younger. The museum is open daily. Telephone (800) 397-0330, Internet https://www.cosmo.org.