The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will open a new display and hold a Night at the Museum event on October 21, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring Nebraska’s only astronaut Clayton Anderson.
The new display encases a newly acquired SOKOL spacesuit worn by Astronaut Clayton Anderson during his first space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on board the Russian spacecraft Soyuz TMA-10. This mission lasted 152 days from June 8, 2007 to November 7, 2007. Anderson served as flight engineer for ISS Expedition 15.
The SOKOL spacesuit acquisition was made possible through the generous donations of many donors while grants from Humanities Nebraska and Cass County Tourism supported the build of a special display case designed to preserve the spacesuit.
The new SOKOL spacesuit display will be part of the Museum’s space section, which includes a timeline of Anderson’s journey from his Nebraska hometown to space. Born in Omaha and raised in Ashland, Anderson’s story is an inspiration to all. The Clayton Anderson: Heartland Astronaut exhibit outlines his early life in Nebraska, as well as the intense training undertaken prior to his launch. Guests will also see an Apollo Command Space Module (CSM) 009, Project Vela Satellite, X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV), a Rocket Communications System, and NASA Shuttle Avionics Integrated Laboratory Test Station.
During the Night at the Museum event, Anderson will serve as keynote speaker. Anderson’s presentation begins at 5 p.m. and will focus on his inspirational story and journey. Anderson will then be available for an autograph session and guests are invited to stay for a night full of activities.
The Museum will offer guests a chance to get inside several aircraft, create a space shuttle, learn about Black Holes and space through an exhibition entitled “Black Holes” and enjoy a free planetarium show. Museum educators will offer robotic instruction using Cubelets and Lego EV3’s and learn how robotic rovers are used in space.
The event is part of general admission; $12 per adult, $11 per senior or military, and $6 for children ages 4-12 (all rates subject to tax). The event is free to Museum members.