New Mexico Museum of Space History

Dedicated October 5, 1976, as the International Space Hall of Fame, the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s mission is to inspire and educate, to promote and preserve, and to honor the pioneers of space exploration.

A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and stresses the significant role that the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program through collecting, preserving, and interpreting significant artifacts relevant to the history of space. The museum campus facility includes: the Museum of Space History, International Space Hall of Fame, John P. Stapp Air & Space Park, Daisy Track, Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center, New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium, Astronaut Memorial Garden, Hubbard Space Science Research Building, and Museum Support Center.

New Mexico Museum of Space History

With Holloman Air Force Base between Alamogordo and White Sands National Park, the Tularosa Basin has been an instrumental part of aviation and weapons development since the middle of the 20th century, home to many space pioneers and developments that made space travel possible.

The New Mexico Museum of Space History educates and preserves the regions history and future through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, artifacts, and educational programs. The museum’s collection features a fuel injector from one of Robert Goddard’s rockets, instruments from the German V-2 rockets tested at White Sands Missile Range, and the training coveralls worn by New Mexico astronaut, Harrison Schmitt, the only scientist to walk on the moon.

Demonstrations, Education Programs and Tours

Education is an important part of their mission and learning comes with plenty of fun for all ages at the Museum. They designed programs to meet the needs of specific audiences throughout the state. These include school groups, teachers, children, adults, families, and organizations. It is a popular choice for field trips and group tours, whether it’s children from an elementary school or adults from an RV club. The museum also coordinates Guided Tours of Trinity Site in April & October (it opens to the public twice a year). Book early. The tours always sell out quickly.

New Mexico Rocketeer Academy

New Mexico Rocketeer Academy offers programs catering to the aspiring young astronaut in each of us, whether it’s week-long summer camps, education programs at the museum, or presentations to students in-class.

Space is a powerful way to enhance and amplify what students learn in the classroom. Kids of all ages are naturally drawn to space exploration, which is inherently rooted in applied STEM-H studies (science, technology, engineering, math, and health). Program activities weave science and New Mexico’s rich history in the space program to foster interest in the material they study.

Museum of Space History Exhibits

International Space Hall of Fame

The International Space Hall of Fame was established in 1976 to recognize the imagination, efforts, and achievements of those who have endeavored to advance man’s knowledge of the universe, and his ability to explore space.

Rockets!

This interactive exhibit summarizes the historical development of rocketry and honors many pioneers in the field. Significant artifacts fill the gallery. Don\’t miss the distinct sound signatures of different rocket engines

Icons of Exploration

Icons of Exploration showcases some of the Museum’s most celebrated objects including a real “moon rock,” rare replicas of the first man-made satellites, Sputnik and Explorer, and the Gargoyle, an early guided missile.

Living & Working in Space

This exhibit demonstrates how humans have adapted to the extreme environmental challenges of space travel, with space suits and clothing, a space toilet, a bio-instrumentation pack, and American and Soviet space food.

Looking Out, Looking Back

Before man could travel in space, satellites explored the unknown frontier, testing for possible fatal effects of space travel. Today satellites help to conserve and manage resources and support the global positioning system, telecommunications, and national defense. This gallery tells the story of the remarkable technology of the satellite.

John P. Stapp, the Air and Space Park

Named after International Space Hall of Fame Inductee and aeromedical pioneer Dr. John P. Stapp, the Air and Space Park consists of large space-related artifacts documenting mankind’s exploration of space. Examples of exhibits include the Little Joe II rocket which tested the Apollo Launch Escape System. At 86 feet tall, Little Joe II is the largest rocket ever launched from New Mexico.

New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium

The New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium featuring the world’s first Spitz Scidome 4k Laser full-dome planetarium projection system is named after the NASA spacecraft that recently flew by Pluto.

New Mexico Space Trail

New Mexico Museum of Space History
3198 State Rte 2001
Alamogordo, NM 88310
msh.info@state.nm.us
(575) 437-2840

Hours
Monday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday – CLOSED
Wednesday through Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s day, and Easter.

Museum of Space History Admission