The Cosmosphere’s popular “Coffee at the Cosmo” series returns this Thursday at 9 a.m. with a special program dedicated to the legacy of the space shuttle.
Titled Coffee at the Cosmo: Legacy of the Space Shuttle, this month’s event will be held virtually via Zoom, allowing attendees to join from anywhere. The panel features a distinguished lineup of voices with deep ties to space exploration and storytelling.
Retired NASA astronaut Don Thomas, a veteran of four shuttle missions, will lead the panel, reflecting on the impact and legacy of the shuttle program. Thomas flew aboard Columbia and Discovery between 1994 and 1997.
Joining Thomas will be Bruce McCandless III, the son of famed shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II, who was the first human to fly untethered in space using the Manned Maneuvering Unit. Also on the panel is Bruce McCandless II himself—represented through discussion of his life and legacy by his son—as well as author Emily Carney, whose book Starbound explores the culture and community of spaceflight enthusiasts. Carney is also co-host of the Space and Things podcast.
The event marks a shift from the typical in-person format to a digital one, creating broader access while maintaining the intimate, educational atmosphere the program is known for. While the panel will take place online, local guests who attend in person at the Cosmosphere can still enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks.
“This one’s special,” said Sherry Treece, a Cosmosphere spokesperson. “We’re talking about the space shuttle era that many of us grew up with—Discovery, Challenger, Endeavour—and how that’s transitioned into today’s Artemis generation. It’s a great opportunity to hear stories from people who lived that history.”
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to grab refreshments and a good seat before the discussion begins. Doors open shortly before 9 a.m.