As we reflect on 2024, I am filled with both gratitude and anticipation. This past year has been transformative—a year in which we set the stage for the Cosmosphere to move to the next level.
A significant milestone this year was the refinement of our mission: to Inspire the Future Through Space Exploration. This is supported by our vision to inspire all generations by telling the international story of space exploration, celebrating ingenuity, hard work and risk-taking while providing unparalleled educational opportunities that share the spirit of adventure and possibility.
We have aligned our e orts with our core values of Education, Excellence, Financial Sustainability, , Innovation, and Preservation. These values guide our strategic imperatives: to serve as a trusted voice in space exploration, to be an elite destination, to lead in space exploration and STEAM education, to ensure financial stability and growth, and to operate
development initiatives, creating a pipeline of talent for the future of space exploration. We understand our profound responsibility: igniting the spark that leads someone to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics.
We are proud to serve as a conduit for the next generation of explorers, scientists, and dreamers. In an era where private sector advancements are reshaping what's possible in space, we remain committed to preparing young people to contribute to this exciting frontier.
As you review this annual report, I hope you'll sense the passion that drives our work—the belief that by connecting people with the wonder of space, we can inspire solutions to challenges here on Earth.
Thank you for your continued support of the Cosmosphere. Together, we are launching dreams and building a future where the stars are within reach for all.
2024 marked a pivotal advancement for the Cosmosphere’s partnerships. These collaborations have become the cornerstone of our STEAM workforce
Ad astra, President and Chief Executive O cer, Cosmosphere
through space exploration.
VISION
Our vision is to inspire all generations by telling the international story of space exploration, celebrating the results of ingenuity, hard work and risk-taking while providing unparalleled educational opportunities that share the spirit of adventure and possibility.
Teachers Served: 290 269
Students Served: 25,515
38
Number of Campers: 841
At a Glance 2 0 24 IMPACT
People
Cosmosphere visitors traveled in from near and far from all 105 counties in Kansas and all 50 states (plus D.C.) in the United States. Visitors also traveled in from more than 30 international locations! The farthest visitor came from Australia, over 9,000 miles away from Hutchinson (or about the length of 131,000 Saturn V rockets lined up tip-to-tip!)
Programs
Co ee at the Cosmosphere featured topics such as the 2024 Solar Eclipse, the Deep Space Network, Sally Ride, hypersonic flight and more! Featured Speakers and Guests included astronauts John Herrington, Tom Jones, Nicole Stott, Steve Swanson and Don Thomas.
Other programs included film screenings, eclipse watch parties and one Amazing Race event.
PARTNERS
TOTAL PARTNERS
Corporate Partners: 38 71
Collaborative Partners: 33
Featured Speakers: 9 Watch Parties: 2 16
Co ee at the Cosmosphere: 5
The Cosmosphere proudly acknowledges the Corporate Partners whose investment in the Cosmosphere fuels our ability to inspire the future.
Elite+ ($25,000+)
Evergy
Elite ($15,000-$24,999)
Clayworks at Disability Supports
KU School of Engineering
Diamond ($10,000-$14,999)
Berry Companies, Inc.
Dillons Food Stores
Omega
Platinum ($5,000-$9,999)
Airbus Americas Engineering, Inc.
Hutton Construction
Pipeline Testing Consortium, Inc.
Radio Kansas
RCB Bank
Gold ($2,500-$4,999)
American Packaging Corporation
Cargill
Fee Insurance Group
First National Bank of Hutchinson
Heartland Credit Union
Hubco, Inc.
Silver ($1,000-$2,499)
Conklin Cars
Egbert Liquor Store
Elliott Mortuary, Inc.
Luminous Neon Inc.
Martindell Swearer Sha er Ridenour, LLP
Spirit Aerosystems
Takako America Co. Inc.
Underground Vaults & Storage, Inc.
Woodwork Manufacturing & Supply, Inc.
Bronze ($500-$999)
Apple Lane Animal Hospital
Citizens Bank of Kansas
Commerce Bank
Custom Security Solutions
Data Center, Inc.
IdeaTek
Leech Products, Inc.
Lindburg Vogel Pierce Faris, Chartered
Midwest Single Source
R. Westphal Jewelers
Valley Print Logistics
Visit Hutch
P O SSI B I L I T IES P A R T NERSHI P S Through
Corporate Partners
In 2024, the Cosmosphere reimagined what it means to partner with the business community—moving beyond sponsorships to build alliances with companies that share a passion for discovery, education, and innovation. These corporate partners don’t just support the Cosmosphere’s mission—they are part of it.
At a time when organizations are seeking more value-driven ways to give back, the Cosmosphere o ers a powerful platform: one that connects partners to bold, hands-on education and a legacy of exploration. From employee engagement opportunities to family-friendly experiences, the Corporate Partnership Program engages with corporate partner companies to inspire the next generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers.
The team at the Cosmosphere prides itself on developing partnerships that are enduring relationships,
not one-time transactions. In 2024, the Cosmosphere saw increased participation from both new and returning partners—all helping to fuel programs, exhibitions, and outreach around the world.
Cosmosphere Corporate Partners receive:
• Enhanced access for employees and their families to the Cosmosphere’s world-class experiences and educational programs
• Customized volunteer opportunities allowing sta to share their STEAM expertise and professional skills
• Strategic brand alignment and collaborative marketing with a globally recognized space science center
• The value of investing in and shaping the skills of tomorrow's STEAM workforce
Berry Companies, Inc. – Investing in Workforce Development and Community Engagement
As a company that specializes in the distribution and support of construction and industrial equipment, Berry Companies operates outside the aerospace sector. Nevertheless, its leadership saw clear parallels between the Cosmosphere's STEAM-focused education programs and their own goals for employee engagement and workforce development. The Cosmosphere’s learning experiences and career-focused STEAM initiatives presented Berry
Companies with a unique avenue to support their workforce's growth while enriching their employees' families through dynamic programs and experiences.
In 2024, when the Cosmosphere restructured its Corporate Partnership Program to optimize workforce development and community engagement opportunities, Berry Companies seized the opportunity to deepen its involvement and increase their investment in the Cosmosphere a testament to the value the Cosmosphere brings to local corporations.
The Cosmosphere’s work would not be possible without the strength of collaborative partnerships. From aerospace innovators to education institutions, museums, and community organizations, these partners bring expertise, passion, and shared purpose. Together, the Cosmosphere and partners co-create programs, expand access to STEAM education, and preserve the legacy of space exploration. Here are a few highlights of work done with several partner organizations in the region.
Hutchinson Fire Department
New in 2024, a partnership with the Hutchinson Fire Department helped connect space science with real-world safety. Within the partnership, several educational videos on the energy in fire and its potential dangers were produced—critical lessons for space travel. Starship Earth students also visited the fire station, reinforcing the importance of fire safety on Earth and beyond.
Amber Waves Diving Company
In partnership with Amber Waves, a swimming and scuba diving center in Wichita, Kansas, Cosmosphere campers get to dive straight into hands-on astronaut training. In 2024, both campers and students in the Astro Lab program completed a discovery SCUBA dive in Amber Waves’ pool, preparing them for their simulated mission to the International Space Station.
Sunflower Gliderport
Cosmosphere Camp participants get the chance to elevate their experience through a partnership with Sunflower Gliderport, a private glider airport near Hutchison. After honing their skills on flight simulators, students take to the skies in discovery flights.
organizations who helped bring programs, events, and experiences to life, strengthening the mission to inspire innovation and discovery for all.
2Share (Space Adventure)
Amber Waves Diving Company
Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum
American Alliance of Museums
Association of Science and Technology Centers
Augusta Flight Center
Bayside Community Church
Blue Star Museums
City of Hutchinson
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
Evergreen Exhibitions
Giant Screen Cinema Association
Hutchinson Chamber
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community Foundation
Hutchinson Fire Department
Hutchinson YMCA
Johnson Space Center
JVS (Just View the Show)
Kansas State University - Salina
K-State Research and Extension
The University of Kansas Museums For All
NASA Space Grant Consortium
Roswell Museum and Art Center
Space Center Houston
SpaceX
Strataca
Sunflower Gliderport
Textron
The Clayworks at Disability Supports
The best part is seeing the children enjoying field trips and the summer space camps. The Cosmosphere does a first class job inspiring children through STEM education.
— Tom Giller Cosmosphere volunteer
We are grateful for each and every one of our volunteers. Their passion and dedication to the Cosmosphere make everything we do possible.
T H E P E O P L E P R O P EL U S Who
At the heart of the Cosmosphere is a diverse and deeply talented team of professionals who bring our mission to life every single day.
From the skilled hands of SpaceWorks technicians and restoration experts, to the creativity of STEAM educators and museum curators, to the essential
behind-the-scenes work of operations and maintenance crews—each individual plays a critical role in inspiring innovation through space exploration. Their passion, precision, and commitment to excellence ensure that the Cosmosphere remains a world-class destination for learning, discovery, and wonder.
Stefan Carlin STEM Content Specialist
As a STEM Content Educator at the Cosmosphere, Stefan Carlin explores new ways to deliver engaging content through Cosmosphere’s programs. He frequently engages with partners to ensure visitors get the most out of their interactions with the Cosmosphere. Stefan shared his perspective on the importance of partnerships to the Cosmosphere experience.
Stefan, how do you impact STEAM education at the Cosmosphere? I concentrate on developing hands-on activities and demonstrations that our education team can use during outreach events and camp programs. I also prioritize building relationships with industry experts to incorporate their real-world knowledge into our educational experiences.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you? In 2024, we introduced a series of new team-building activities designed for both children and adults. We also upgraded
our outreach presentations with modernized demonstrations and higher-quality equipment, making them more engaging and impactful.
What impact do these activities have on participants? Whether the activities are completely original or creatively adapted for our space museum, they consistently provide a surprising and inspiring experience. Students and professionals alike often encounter things here that they wouldn't experience anywhere else.
How do partners influence the development of educational programming? Our partners are essential. As experts in their fields, they often bring fresh ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative demonstrations — ideas we might not generate within a traditional informal education environment.
Our partnerships help us stay dynamic and forward-thinking. Their diverse expertise and outside inspiration help us be able to expand our o erings and create new opportunities that keep the Cosmosphere’s programs unique, relevant, and exciting.
Governing Board of Directors
Mary Smith STEAM Educator
As an educator at the Cosmosphere, Mary Smith is always seeking new ways to expand hands-on learning opportunities. In 2024, she helped initiate an exciting partnership with the K-State Salina Composites Lab — requiring her to explore a new realm: composite materials.
“I had not fully explored the possibilities of composites,” Mary shared. “But after spending a full day on campus in January, learning the basics, I became so excited about all the potential this partnership has.”
In the true spirit of discovery and innovation, Mary and her collaborators have brainstormed how to incorporate composite work into Cosmosphere camps through projects like building drone chassis or cases for high-altitude balloons — blending 3D printing, electronics, and aerospace innovation.
For Mary, the impact of this work goes far beyond the lab. “We o er experiences students just don’t get in traditional classrooms,” she said. “Programs like these open doors students didn’t know existed expanding their sense of what’s possible.”
Volunteers
The Cosmosphere’s mission is made even stronger by the incredible volunteers who generously lend their time, energy, and expertise. Whether guiding guests through exhibits, assisting with educational programs, supporting events, or o ering behind-the-scenes help, our volunteers are essential to the visitor experience and the success of daily operations. Their enthusiasm for space, science, and service reflects the very heart of the Cosmosphere and the Cosmosphere team is endlessly grateful for their dedication.
“The primary reason I volunteer at the Cosmosphere is because it is a unique and highly educational environment for all ages. It’s not only a museum of artifacts but an opportunity for people to learn and engage in history, science and the adventure of space. I am particularly inspired to help children and young people with hands-on learning.”
— Jim Ewert Cosmosphere volunteer
Cosmosphere volunteers work in the gift shop, behind the information desk, assist in preparing educational material, help catalog and organize historical materials and more!
Governing Board of Directors
Governing Chair Carissa Jackson
Director of Membership, Prairie Dunes Country Club
Vice Chair Dan Springer
President/CEO, Heartland Credit Union
Foundation Chair David Neal
Sr. Vice President & Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST
Immediate Past Chair Mike Pritchett
Executive Vice President & Manager, First National Bank Hutchison
Secretary Erica Shook
Ad Astra Virtual Academy Director, USD
Treasurer Tony Hoover
Co-President, Conklin Cars
Greg Fast
Mayor of Hutchison, Kansas
Rob Fee
Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST
Wes Kimmel
Attorney/Partner, Foulston Siefkin LLP
Sheila Meggers
Assistant Superintendent of Finance, USD 308
Tricia Paramore
President, Hutchinson Community College
Debra Teufel
President & CEO, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
Teresa Wagner
President & Owner, Woodwork Manufacturing
Foundation Board of Directors
Chair David Neal
Sr. Vice President & Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST
Vice Chair Kent Longenecker
Independent Investor, JML Ventures
Governing Chair Carissa Jackson
Director of Membership, Prairie Dunes Country Club
Special Projects Chief Engineer, Agile Space Industries
Member at Large Rick Staab
President & CEO, Disability Supports of the Great Plains Inc
IGNITING IMAGINATION
Inspiring Futures
Renovations focused on updating exhibit designs, improving lighting, and enhancing interpretive displays
virtual learning, every experience is designed to be hands-on, standards-aligned, and geared toward future careers in science and technology.
information and artifacts anytime, anywhere.
• Passionate educators work with organizations, educators and learners of all ages to inspire the future.
like the Justice Planetarium, Dr. Goddard’s Lab science show, and the Carey Digital Dome Theater, creating a journey that’s equal parts education and enjoyment.
SpaceWorks’ craftsmanship and attention to detail, utilized and appreciated by museums around the world. The SpaceWorks team has restored components like the F- 1 rocket engines after recovery from the ocean.
SPACEWORKS
SpaceWorks is the Cosmosphere’s renowned restoration and fabrication division, dedicated to preserving and recreating the artifacts that tell the story of space exploration. Established in 1988, SpaceWorks has restored iconic spacecraft such as 13 Command Module Odyssey and the 7 Mercury capsule, as well as 1 rocket engines recovered
In 2024, SpaceWorks partnered with the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington to create custom protective coverings for the switches and dials in its Shuttle Trainer, allowing visitors to experience the spacecraft up close while safeguarding its integrity.
Beyond restoration, SpaceWorks crafts high-fidelity replicas of spacecraft and exhibits for museums, films, and educational institutions worldwide.
Additionally, SpaceWorks collaborated with NASA’s Johnson Space Center to evaluate a historically significant artifact, o ering expert guidance on its preservation and restoration. These high-profile projects underscore SpaceWorks’ reputation as a leader in spacecraft restoration and its commitment to preserving the marvels of human space exploration for generations to come.
EVENTS INSPIRE THAT
In 2024, Cosmosphere events and programs brought science, history, and innovation to life for visitors of all ages. Every carefully curated for education, inspiration and connection played a key role in delivering the Cosmosphere mission.
Highlights from the Cosmosphere’s 2024 programming:
An expert-led talk with Astronaut Steve Swanson
Book signings with former NASA astronaut Tom Jones and NASA Food Scientist Vickie Kloeris
A watch party for the X-59 QueSST aircraft rollout
Co ee at the Cosmo events featuring Sally Ride, Apollo-Soyuz, and topics such as the Deep Space Network and hypersonic flight
A Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
FINANCIALS
The Cosmosphere remains committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
In 2024, thoughtful stewardship of resources allowed us to invest in mission-critical initiatives—including exhibit renovations, educational programming, and expanded partnerships—while maintaining a stable financial foundation. The following section provides an overview of the Cosmosphere’s financial performance and the continued support from donors, members, and partners who make the organization’s work possible.
Supporters of the Cosmosphere
The Cosmosphere's mission thrives thanks to the generous commitment of our donors, whose support makes this work possible. (Contributions received January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.)
$100,000+
Dane G. Hansen Foundation
$25,000 - $99,999
Evergy, Inc
$10,000 - $24,999
Apex Foundation
The Beach-Edwards Family Foundation
Gordon and Ann Brown
Disability Supports of the Great Plains
Suzanne Hamilton
Charley and Linda McCue
Peg Stephens
The University of Kansas School of Engineering
$5,000 - $9,999
Airbus Americas, Inc.
Davis Foundation
Carolyn Dillon
Herman, Esther and Henry Stallman Foundation
Hutchinson Community Foundation
Darla Neal and Stanley Wingate
Stolzer Family Foundation
Helen Unruh
$1,000 - $4,999
Crystal Allen
Answerlink of Kansas
Lila Berkley
Jack and Dottie Cernik
Bob and Mary Ann Cox
Douglas Duncan
Richard and Jane Falter
Martha Fee
Robert Fee
Go History Travel
John and Ione Hardy
Shirley Hinkel Pauls
Lois L. Huneycutt and Mark Smith
Hutchinson Community Foundation
David and Patty Kerr
Michael and Michelle Kimbell
Robert R. Lind
David and Janet Loftus
Kevin and Evelyn Lynn
George R. R. Martin and Parris McBride-Martin
Keith Mason
Meyer Charitable Trust
James Neel
Ronald and Anita Pfister
Susan Richardson
Je rey and Linda Schlader
Stan and Betty Lewis Foundation
Harold and Linda Tegetho
Mike and Patti Wamsley
Helen A. Weeks Rogers
John Wilson
Mace and Lorie Wolf
$25 - $999
Shirley Alpers
Karen Anderson
Bob Barker
Bob and Donna Becker
Kate Becker
Monti Belot
Richard and Beverly Benjes
Catherine Bible
Carla Bickel
Todd and Julie Bickel
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Larry and Marilyn Bolton
Bonfire Funds, Inc.
Rick and Karen Boswell
Dean and Sherra Brigman
Bruce Buchanan and Lynette Lacy
Andrea Buchbinder
Vincent Capone
Maggie Collins
Commerce Bancshares Foundation
Keith Cooley
Janis and Steven Cox
David and Betty Crum
Kenneth and Jane Davidson
Decker & Mattison Co., Inc.
Eva Deonier
Total Expenses: $5,431,042
Total Program/Service Expenses: $3,111,907 (includes $841,224 Depreciation)
The Cosmosphere closes 2024 with deep appreciation for the support that has advanced the mission to inspire the future through space exploration. Corporate partnerships have become essential to the organization's STEAM initiatives, creating critical pathways for young people into space-related and STEAM careers.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Cosmosphere will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cosmosphere Camps. What began as a modest summer program has blossomed into a transformative educational experience, inspiring generations of STEAM professionals. For four decades, these immersive camps have inspired young minds, creating a vital talent pipeline that continues to fuel innovation in space exploration and related fields. With the continued support of dedicated partners, the Cosmosphere remains committed to this legacy of excellence in the years ahead.
The Cosmosphere extends sincere gratitude to all donors, volunteers, sta , and visitors who contribute to preserving space history while actively shaping its future.
ing on Success
Thank you to our generous donors, supporters, volunteers and visitors who make our work possible.
Inspiring innovation through science education and honoring the history of space exploration.
