By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere has been watching the Space X program and had to watch the maiden flight of the first manned mission get scrubbed on Wednesday. The launch is getting the attention of everyone, including the Cosmosphere.
“This is an exciting period in our history of space exploration,” Cosmosphere President Jim Remar said. “The Cosmosphere obviously tells the story of the past, but this is the future. And to finally, after nine years, to launch American astronauts on American soil with American rockets is exciting.”
During the past 10 years, there has been much debate on whether NASA and commercial space companies like Space X and Blue Origin could work together. Remar says it’s now part of the future for NASA and the American space program.
“I think the partnership between NASA and the commercial sector is fantastic,” Remar said. “It lends itself to the strengths of both entities.”
Remar noted that NASA's Director Jim Bridenstine admitted that Space X and others are able to do things differently than NASA.
“Bridenstine admitted yesterday (Wednesday) prior to the launch that there were certain things the commercial sector could do quicker, better and cheaper than what NASA could,” Remar noted. “So I think it is obviously a sign of what the future is going to look like, but also shows what two entities can do when they come together for a common goal.”
The Space X team, NASA and its two astronauts will try again on Saturday. The launch will be streamed live in the Cosmosphere lobby. Launch is now set for 2:22 p.m. Central time.